A review.We pioneered anticytokine therapy in 1974 and 1989 and have treated various Th-1-mediated autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, type I diabetes, uveitis, and corneal transplant rejection, with antibodies to IFN-α, IFN-γ, and TNF-α.In addition, we have treated a number of Th-1-mediated skin diseases, including psoriasis vulgaris, alopecia areata, vitiligo, acne vulgaris, herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 infections, and dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, with antibodies against IFN-γ with very good, and sometimes striking clin. results.IFN-γ appears to be a major immune regulator and to play a central role in the pathogenesis of Th-1-mediated autoimmune diseases and its neutralization could become a universal treatment for these disorders, in many cases more effective then neutralization of other cytokines.Anticytokine therapy has opened a new era in the therapy of autoimmune diseases.