Inhibition of TWEAK activity as a new treatment for inflammatory and degenerative diseases

Drug News Perspect. 2006 Dec;19(10):589-95. doi: 10.1358/dnp.2006.19.10.1068005.

Abstract

Tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) is a member of the tumor necrosis factor superfamily of structurally-related cytokines. TWEAK acts on responsive cells via binding to a cell surface receptor named fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14 (Fn14). TWEAK can regulate numerous cellular responses in vitro including cell proliferation, migration, survival, differentiation and apoptosis. TWEAK is also a proangiogenic and proinflammatory factor in vivo. Recent studies have indicated that pharmacological inhibition of TWEAK activity may have therapeutic efficacy in several diseases including ischemic stroke, cerebral edema, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. In this review we first introduce the TWEAK-Fn14 signaling system and then focus on the potential therapeutic utility of soluble Fn14-Fc fusion proteins and TWEAK neutralizing antibodies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / pharmacology*
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / pharmacology
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / drug therapy
  • Brain Edema / drug therapy
  • Carotid Artery Diseases / drug therapy
  • Cytokine TWEAK
  • Humans
  • Multiple Sclerosis / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Neuroprotective Agents / pharmacology*
  • Neuroprotective Agents / therapeutic use
  • Obesity / drug therapy
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / genetics
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / metabolism
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / pharmacology
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects*
  • Stroke / drug therapy
  • TWEAK Receptor
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors*
  • Tumor Necrosis Factors / immunology
  • Tumor Necrosis Factors / metabolism

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Cytokine TWEAK
  • Neuroprotective Agents
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • TNFRSF12A protein, human
  • TNFSF12 protein, human
  • TWEAK Receptor
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors
  • Tumor Necrosis Factors