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Autoinflammatory diseases are characterized by recurrent episodes of inflammation, accompanied by a wide range of inflammatory symptoms, including fever, abdominal pain, skin rash, arthralgias, and myalgias. There can be frank signs of peritonitis, pericarditis, or arthritis. Many autoinflammatory diseases have a genetic background, and major progress has been made in identifying specific disease-inducing mutations. The common pathophysiological feature of autoinflammatory syndromes is the increased production of interleukin-1 (IL-1), making drugs targeting this cytokine the treatment of choice. The exception to this is familial Mediterranean fever, where anti–IL-1-therapy is only indicated when treatment with colchicine is ineffective. Adequate control of inflammation is necessary to prevent amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis.

Publisher Summary This chapter presents methods in which Teflon film is used as a substrate for the culture of mononuclear phagocytes. Disposable hydrophobic Teflon FEP film is completely translucent and, as it is nontoxic, can be used without prior cleaning procedures. It resists autoclaving without any change in size, shape, or clarity. As the film is permeable for oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water vapor, closed bags can be used for the culture of cells. TFD is a tissue culture chamber consisting of a reusable aluminum holder with a Teflon ring on which a piece of hydrophobic Teflon-FEP film is mounted. The cover consists of a metal ring in which a transparent glass disk is fixed. Mononuclear phagocytes from various sources can be suspended in one of the currently available culture media supplemented with serum. Cells are recovered from the TFD by aspirating the culture fluid and by gently rinsing the Teflon surface with culture medium to remove loosely adhering cells as well.