Histone deacetylase inhibitors: a new and promising drug class for the treatment of arthritis?

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the prototype of a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammatory reaction of the joints. The persistent inflammation results from the coordinated infiltration of the synovial tissue by distinct cellular populations which are activated and release a complex network of cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors. Progress in the understanding of the pathophysiology of RA and other forms of inflammatory arthritis has led to the concept of targeting cellular activation or cytokines in an attempt to better control the inflammatory process. In this sense, biological therapies blocking TNFα, IL-1 or IL-6, or controlling costimulatory pathways or alternatively B cells have emerged. These new therapies are currently available in the treatment of patients with RA, contributing to a better management of the disease.