Receptor-targeted immunotherapy.

Modern techniques of genetic engineering have led to the development of novel receptor-targeted immunotherapies for human diseases. These new approaches include mAbs to the CD4+ subset of T cells, immunotoxins for CD5+ T cells, a diphtheria toxin coupled to IL-2, and antibodies to specific TCRs. Additional approaches include a specific IL-1 receptor antagonist and soluble receptors for IL-1 or TNF. Although initially promising, these new approaches to altering immune and inflammatory events need to be thoroughly and carefully evaluated in further clinical trials in human diseases. Perhaps these novel forms of receptor-targeted immunotherapy will eventually prove to be most effective when employed in combination with more conventional anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive medications.