Infliximab

Infliximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody that binds tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), reducing its inflammatory activity. It is used to treat several autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

Tumor necrosis factor alpha: A pro-inflammatory cytokine that coordinates immune responses and can drive tissue damage when produced excessively. Infliximab binds this cytokine, preventing it from activating its receptors.
Crohn's disease: A chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Infliximab can induce and maintain remission, including in some fistulizing disease.
Etanercept: A fusion protein that acts as a soluble decoy receptor for tumor necrosis factor. Unlike infliximab, etanercept is not an antibody and is not effective for inflammatory bowel disease.
Tuberculosis: An infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, most often affecting the lungs. TNF blockade can reactivate latent tuberculosis, so screening is needed before treatment.
Cytokine: A small signaling protein that helps cells coordinate immune and inflammatory responses. TNF-α is one cytokine within this broader family of immune signals.
Monoclonal antibody: An antibody produced from a single cell lineage that recognizes a specific molecular target. Infliximab is a monoclonal antibody engineered to recognize TNF-α.
Ulcerative colitis: A chronic inflammatory bowel disease causing continuous inflammation of the colon's inner lining. Infliximab is used for moderate-to-severe disease, including acute severe cases.
Adalimumab: A fully human monoclonal antibody that binds tumor necrosis factor alpha. It targets the same cytokine but is administered subcutaneously rather than by infusion.
Hepatitis B: A viral infection of the liver caused by hepatitis B virus, which can persist chronically. Infliximab may reactivate hepatitis B, making screening and monitoring important.
Autoimmunity: An immune response directed against the body's own cells or tissues. Several diseases treated with infliximab involve immune activity against the body's tissues.

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