Anwen S Williams
Cardiff University School of Medicine,United Kingdom
Title: Pre-clinical evaluation of an Interleukin- 6 antagonist in inflammatory arthritis
Biography
Biography: Anwen S Williams
Abstract
The cellular and molecular signals that safeguard the architecture of the joint during an acute flare of inflammatory arthritis are ill defined. Published data from our group clearly identifies interleukin-6 (IL-6) signaling pathway as important factors that alter early inflammation, tissue homeostasis and tissue damage (1-3). We use relevant cell-based in vitro assays and in vivo models to assign specific IL-6 mediated molecular mechanisms that regulate degenerative cell functionality. We also explore the potential value of a pertinent IL-6-directed antagonist as a preventative therapy for early joint injury during experimental inflammatory arthritis. The manner by which the IL-6 pathway regulates cell trafficking during arthritis is characterized and its impact upon bone homeostasis is assessed.
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