Autoimmune aspects of cytokine and anticytokine therapies

Cytokines and anticytokines are used increasingly in the treatment of immune, autoimmune, inflammatory, infectious, and malignant disorders. Commonly used treatments include the anti-tumor necrosis factor agents interferon alpha, interferon beta, interferon gamma, and interleukin 2. Several autoimmune phenomena have been reported in patients treated with these substances. This review summarizes the published data on the autoimmune, manifestations associated with cytokine and anticytokine therapies, as well as describes possible mechanisms of these phenomena. (C) 2003 by Excerpta Medica Inc.