Biologic Therapies: Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor-α, Anti-Interleukins, Rituximab and Others.

Biologic agents are a group of therapeutic agents targeting mediators of inflammation, including soluble factors (e.g. cytokines and chemokines), cytokine/chemokine receptors and immune cell surface markers. The purpose of this chapter is to introduce the use of biologic therapies for the treatment of ocular inflammatory diseases. Anti-tumor necrosis factor agents, particularly infliximab and adalimumab, are well studied. We will review these, as well as newer options in the development of more targeted therapy, including anti-interleukins, anti-cell surface molecule biologics and interferon-2α. Biologic treatment of ocular inflammatory disease has advanced rapidly over the past 10 years and continues to be an exciting field of study.