TUMOR-NECROSIS-FACTOR AND INFLAMMATORY BOWEL-DISEASE

Background Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) is a pleiotropic cytokine prod uced largely by macrophages and T lymphocytes. It has been implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous immunoinflammatory processes. Recently , a number of studies have indicated that anti-TNF antibodies may be o f value in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. Method The lit erature is reviewed regarding the role of TNF in the pathogenesis of i nflammatory bowel disease and the results of administering TNF inhibit ors. Results and conclusions TNF may have a role in the pathogenesis o f inflammatory bowel disease. The effects of TNF inhibitors are comple x and incompletely understood. Anti-TNF antibody strategies may have a role in the treatment of acute exacerbations of the disease but are u nlikely to be appropriate therapies for long-term management.