The present invention relates generally to a method for the treatment
and/or prophylaxis of a disease condition, agents useful in such
treatments and an animal model useful in screening and evaluating
potentially efficacious therapeutic agents. More particularly, the
present invention contemplates a method for the treatment and/or
prophylaxis of a local or systemic autoimmune condition such as but not
limited to rheumatoid arthritis or a related condition. The method of the
present invention is predicted in part on the determination that the
onset and/or severity of particular disease conditions is exacerbated or
otherwise facilitated by certain growth factors or cytokines. Temporary
or sustained reduction in the levels of these growth factors or cytokines
is shown to reduce the onset and/or severity and/or to otherwise
ameliorate the conditions of the disease conditions.