Anti-TNF therapy: where have we got to in 2005?

Abstract

The blockade of TNF has had significant impact on the therapy of a number of chronic autoimmune diseases. In this chapter we review the concepts leading up to this therapy in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), how it spreads into other autoimmune diseases, and how greater understanding of its use has led to augmented therapeutic benefit. There are still many limitations, but the prospects for the future are intriguing.