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Rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases and psoriasis are examples of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. They involve activation of a partly similar cytokine network that has an essential role in the disease pathogenesis. Biological drugs have been developed for the inhibition of single cytokines, and good therapeutic responses have been achieved by using them. For instance, TNF blockers are used in the treatment of several inflammatory diseases. The use of the blockers of certain other cytokines is more limited. Other important target molecules include certain interleukins. New bispecific antibodies enabling inhibition of the action of two distinct cytokines are currently undergoing clinical studies.

Temporal arteritis (giant cell arteritis), and Takayasu's arteritis are the two primary large-vessel vasculitides. Both are characterized by activation of the adaptive immune system in the vessel wall and activation of the innate immune system, manifesting as systemic inflammatory symptoms and an acute phase reaction. The clinical findings in temporal arteritis commonly include visual loss, headache, scalp tenderness, jaw claudication and polymyalgia rheumatica. Takayasu's arteritis begins with non-specific symptoms followed by decreased perfusion of the extremities, internal organs and brain as the disease progresses to vessel narrowing. Temporal artery biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosing temporal arteritis, whereas the diagnosis of Takayasu's arteritis relies on magnetic angiography or computed tomography angiography of the aorta and its branches. Glucocorticoids are the cornerstone of treatment of both diseases. In selected cases of Takayasu's arteritis methotrexate and tumour necrosis factor inhibitors have proved useful.