Cytokine blockade in rheumatoid arthritis

As we enter the 2000's it is clear that cytokine blockade is an effective t herapeutic strategy for rheumatoid arthritis. In this brief review, we will review the rationale for anti TNF alpha therapy, the current status of the rapy and focus on the regulation of TNF alpha production in rheumatoid syno vium. New approaches to studying TNF regulation in RA and of elucidating th e controversial role of T cells in this complex disease will be described.