Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis by Selective Inhibition of T-Cell Activation with Fusion Protein CTLA4Ig

TLDR

Rheumatoid arthritis requires new therapies; while current treatments target macrophage products, T cells also play a key role, and CTLA4Ig is the first costimulation blocker being evaluated. CTLA4Ig binds CD80/CD86 on antigen‑presenting cells, blocking CD28 engagement on T cells and preventing their activation. A preliminary study suggests CTLA4Ig may be effective for treating rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract

Effective new therapies are needed for rheumatoid arthritis. Current therapies target the products of activated macrophages; however, T cells also have an important role in rheumatoid arthritis. A fusion protein — cytotoxic T-lymphocyte–associated antigen 4–IgG1 (CTLA4Ig) — is the first in a new class of drugs known as costimulation blockers being evaluated for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. CTLA4Ig binds to CD80 and CD86 on antigen-presenting cells, blocking the engagement of CD28 on T cells and preventing T-cell activation. A preliminary study showed that CTLA4Ig may be effective for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.