Anticytokine Therapy, Particularly Anti-IFN-γ, in Th1-Mediated Autoimmune Diseases

In the 2005 document, the authors discussed the potential of anticytokine therapy, particularly anti-interferon-gamma (anti-IFN-γ), in treating Th1-mediated autoimmune diseases. They reported that neutralizing IFN could be therapeutic for various autoimmune conditions, including inflammatory skin diseases, and may serve as a universal treatment. The document cited small studies and clinical trials, including a study with 13 patients with corneal transplant rejection, where 10 showed improvement after treatment with anti-IFN-γ eye drops, and a study on Type I diabetes where three patients treated with anti-IFN-γ antibodies experienced beneficial effects. Additionally, 16 patients with alopecia areata aged 6-15 years were treated with anti-IFN-γ, resulting in disease stabilization and some hair regrowth. The authors also reported positive outcomes in treating vitiligo and suggested that acne vulgaris may be influenced by Th1 cytokines. They noted that anti-TNF-α therapies have been effective but can lead to complications and are ineffective in some cases. The document highlighted the need for further research to validate these findings and improve the specificity and safety of anticytokine therapies.