Adverse effects of biologic anti-inflammatory agents on the respiratory system: A review

Abstract

The therapy of autoimmune rheumatological conditions has undergone significant changes with the introduction of biologic antiinflammatory agents including cytokine antagonists and agents that interfere with the function of T and B cells or those that inhibit intracellular enzymes such as Janus kinase (JAK). Although useful to control inflammation, these agents may be associated with druginduced lung disease, which may be difficult to differentiate from pulmonary disorders caused by the underlying autoimmune diseases. This review aims to provide a description of lung disease, both infectious and non-infectious, that may be induced by the administration of biologic anti-inflammatory agents with emphasis on inhibitors of tumour necrosis factor, interleukin-1, interleukin-6 and JAK. Keywords. biologic anti-inflammatory therapy; side-effects; adverse reactions; lung disease; rheumatological conditions.