Proinflammatory cytokine reduction

Reduction of proinflammatory cytokines refers to a therapeutic strategy designed to modulate the body's immune response by decreasing the activity, signaling, or secretion of cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, and others that play central roles in initiating and sustaining inflammation[2][4][6]. This approach is fundamental in the treatment of autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis), cytokine storm syndromes (e.g., in COVID-19), and chronic inflammatory disorders (e.g., certain cancers, cardiovascular diseases)[2][4][6][7][8]. Therapeutic intervention is typically achieved with biologic agents (monoclonal antibodies, receptor antagonists), small molecule inhibitors (e.g., JAK, BTK inhibitors), or via nonpharmaceutical modalities that modulate neuroimmune pathways[6][8]. Systemic reduction of these cytokines can effectively curb pathogenic inflammation but poses significant safety challenges, most notably increased susceptibility to infections and impairment of beneficial immune functions[2][4][6][8].

Other names

Pro-inflammatory cytokine inhibitionanti-inflammatory cytokine therapyanti-cytokine therapy

The drugs above act via: - Neutralization of cytokines - Blockade of cytokine receptors - Inhibition of cytokine signaling pathways (JAK inhibition, BTK inhibition) - Transcriptional silencing or gene therapy (experimental) - Immunomodulation (via parasympathetic activation, vagal stimulation)