[Research update of anti-TNF-α biologic agents in the treatment of uveitis]

Abstract

Uveitis is one of the common sight-threatening eye diseases, which is usually recurrent and refractory to treatment. It is generally considered that the development of uveitis is closely related to the autoimmune response of uvea. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α is one of the key cytokines involved in the emergence and progression of uveitis. Blocking the production or inhibiting the activity of TNF-α can inhibit the development or progression of uveitis. Presently, the commercially available TNF-α blockers include infliximab, adalimumab, etanercept, and golimumab. This review describes the clinical studies and adverse effects of TNF-α blockers in the treatment of uveitis, and discusses the principle for clinical use of TNF-α blockers in synergy with other immunosuppressive agents.