Cytokine-based therapies in inflammatory bowel disease.

Cytokine-based therapy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has significantly advanced in the last year. This review highlights some of the exciting progress that has occurred. The efficacy of anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) monoclonal antibody therapy in Crohn's disease has promoted further research and the development of other anti-TNF therapies, such as thalidomide, phosphodiesterase type IV inhibitors, and new-generation anti-TNF monoclonal antibodies. Current research is also focused on more proximal events in the inflammatory cascade to modify T-cell regulation and to decrease the production and activity of proinflammatory proteins, cytokines, and nuclear regulatory factors. Concurrently, the emerging role of interleukin (IL)-11, IL-12, and IL-18 in the perpetuation of chronic inflammation continues to stimulate much interest. All of these new advancements reveal an exciting future for IBD therapy.