GENE-THERAPY FOR RA - AN ALREADY FEASIBLE TREATMENT PRINCIPLE

Based upon our increasing knowledge of mechanisms underlying tissue de struction in RA patients, new therapeutic principles have been develop ed, aimed at blocking proinflammatory cytokines or using antiinflammat ory cytokines. Both principles, however, have proven to be very effect ive. In addition, the availability of the methodology to transduce cel ls with genes has initiated first experiments in animal models to test whether gene therapy for arthritis is suitable, followed by a first, very carefully formulated protocol for human RA. Gene therapy for RA h as to still be considered as an experimental form of therapy in a very early stage, not allowing even now any serious treatment offer to RA patients. Several problems, such as the question of a suitable vector system have not yet been solved. With more experiments this therapeuti c principle might become available and might prove effective even in a disease with a systemic character like RA in the coming years.