Milan Buc, Jozef Rovenský
Autoimmunity disorders represent mutually intertwined reactions of both innate and adaptive immune responses. It was shown that the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is of paramount importance in immunopathological processes in some autoimmune diseases. Biological substances were therefore developed with the aim to neutralize it. Chimeric anti-TNF monoclonal antibodies (infliximab), totaly humanized anti-TNF monoclonal antibodies (adalimumab) and soluble IgG1 fusion TNF binding protein (etanercept) were approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and M. Crohn. Their use in the clinical practice has been of great benefit for patients; both monoclonal antibodies and TNF-binding receptors are effective in the treatment of both rheumatoid arthritis and M. Crohn, contrary to monoclonal antibodies in the treatment of M. Crohn only. However, interfering with functions of the immune system can cause some serious complications, esp. the reactivation of the tuberculosis process, esp. when monoclonal antibodies are applied and the induction of systemic lupus erythematosus.