[Cytokines].

Cytokine driven inflammation is a common feature in autoimmune diseases. Cytokines are needed under physiological conditions within the innate and adaptive immune systems to control infectious diseases and neoplastic disorders by regulation of the cell cycle and apoptosis. Cytokines can also be found in persistently increased concentrations in inflamed tissues within autoimmune diseases. Therefore, the modulation of cytokines seems to be a worthwhile therapeutic approach. With TNFalpha and Il-1, two key cytokines in rheumatoid arthritis have been identified. Their inhibition leads to a convincing clinical benefit. In the near future, inhibition of additional cytokines, such as Il-6 or Il-15, will likely open new beneficial strategies.