Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) as a therapeutic target in rheumatoid arthritis

Clin Rheumatol. 2013 Mar;32(3):289-92. doi: 10.1007/s10067-012-2119-9. Epub 2012 Nov 21.

Abstract

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has an important role in the hyperplastic growth of tumor. Similar to tumor growth, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovium is hyperplastic, invasive, and expresses EGFR and its ligands. Activation of EGFR signaling is responsible for synovial fibroblast proliferation in RA. Furthermore, in addition to its role in proliferation, EGFR and its ligands can induce cytokine production of synovial fibroblasts during the pathogenesis of RA. Agents that target EGFR have yielded promising results in animal experiments involving RA, pharmacologic modulations targeting EGFR, or its ligands may give rise to new therapeutic approaches for RA. In this review article, we will discuss the biological features of EGFR and summarize recent advances regarding the role of EGFR in the pathogenesis and treatment of RA.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antirheumatic Agents / pharmacology
  • Antirheumatic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / drug therapy*
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / pathology
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / physiopathology*
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • ErbB Receptors / drug effects
  • ErbB Receptors / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Synovial Membrane / metabolism
  • Synovial Membrane / pathology

Substances

  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • Cytokines
  • ErbB Receptors