The Imperial College London researchers who developed effective rheumatoid arthritis drugs through targeting cytokines (immune system signaling proteins) have found that similar anti-cytokine therapies may help with atherosclerosis and other medical conditions.

The researchers previously discovered that in autoimmune diseases (such as arthritis), the body makes excess cytokines, causing the immune system to fight itself. This results in inflammation and tissue destruction. Blocking just one cytokine–Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) alpha–blocked all the cytokines involved in rheumatoid arthritis inflammation.

Atherosclerosis is caused by a chronic inflammatory response in arterial walls from an excessive immune response to cholesterol.

University of Manchester News Release