NK4 therapy: a new approach to target angiogenesis and inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a progressive autoimmune disease characterized by synovial membrane hyperplasia, inflammation, and angiogenesis. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its receptor, c-Met, are both overexpressed in the RA synovium. NK4 is an antagonist of HGF which has been shown to inhibit tumor growth, metastasis, and angiogenesis. In an experimental model of RA, NK4 gene therapy inhibited joint damage and inflammation in both preventative and therapeutic models. NK4 treatment therefore represents a possible therapeutic option in combating RA.