The focus of translational research approaches on complex multifactorial diseases has enabled a deeper understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms involved, and translated into new therapies that advanced management of autoinflammatory diseases considerably. In parallel to these developments, the successful use of strategies such as IL-1-blockade to treat patients with systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis or TNF receptor-associated periodic syndrome has led, through reverse translational approaches, to a better understanding of the pathophysiological role of these cytokines in autoinflammatory conditions. In this Review, Holzinger et al. describe how forward and reverse translational research have yielded important insights into the pathogeneses of autoinflammatory diseases, and explores the future challenges in the field.
- Dirk Holzinger
- Christoph Kessel
- Marco Gattorno
