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Uysal SP, Morren JA. Promising therapies for the treatment of myasthenia gravis. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2024; 25:395-408. [PMID: 38523508 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2024.2332610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune condition targeting the neuromuscular junction, which manifests with neuromuscular symptoms of varying severity and significant morbidity. The mainstay of treatment in MG is mitigation of the immune cascade with steroids and non-steroidal immunosuppressive therapies. The therapeutic strategies in MG are transitioning from broad and indiscriminate immunosuppression to novel agents targeting key steps in MG pathogenesis, including T cell activation, B cell proliferation, complement activation, maintenance of pathogenic antibody production, and proinflammatory cytokine production. AREAS COVERED In this review, an overview of the pathogenesis of MG and traditional MG therapies is presented, followed by a discussion of the novel MG drugs that have been evaluated in phase 3 clinical trials with an emphasis on those which have received regulatory approval. EXPERT OPINION Novel MG therapeutics belonging to the classes of complement inhibitors, neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) inhibitors and B cell depletors, as well as the other emerging MG drugs in the pipeline constitute promising treatment strategies with potentially better efficacy and safety compared to the conventional MG treatments. However, further long-term research is needed in order to optimize the implementation of these new treatment options for the appropriate patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanem Pinar Uysal
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - John A Morren
- Neuromuscular Center, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
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McCallion J, Borsi A, Noel W, Lee J, Karmous W, Sattler S, Boggia GM, Hardy EJ, Mitchell CR, Mitchell SA, Gilhus NE. Systematic review of the patient burden of generalised myasthenia gravis in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. BMC Neurol 2024; 24:61. [PMID: 38336636 PMCID: PMC10858594 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-024-03553-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare autoimmune disease characterised by muscle weakness, and progression from ocular (oMG) to generalised (gMG) symptoms results in a substantial negative impact on quality of life (QoL). This systematic review aimed to provide an overview of the patient burden experienced by people living with gMG. METHODS Electronic database searches (conducted March 2022), supplemented by interrogation of grey literature, were conducted to identify studies reporting patient burden outcomes in patients with gMG in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Results were synthesised narratively due to the heterogeneity across trials. RESULTS In total, 39 patient burden publications (representing 38 unique studies) were identified as relevant for inclusion in the systematic review, consisting of 37 publications reporting formal patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and two publications describing alternative qualitative assessments of patient experience. The studies included a variety of measures including generic and disease-specific PROMs, as well as symptom-specific PROMs focusing on key comorbidities including depression, anxiety, fatigue and sleep disturbance. The findings showed some variation across studies and PROMs; however, in general there was evidence for worse QoL in patients with gMG than in healthy controls or in patients with oMG, and a trend for worsening QoL with increasing MG severity. CONCLUSIONS This review highlights the importance of considering patient QoL when developing and assessing treatment and management plans for patients with gMG. However, the heterogeneity identified across studies illustrates the need for further representative and well-powered studies in large cohorts administering consistent, validated questionnaires. TRIAL REGISTRATION The protocol for this systematic review was registered in PROSPERO: CRD42022328444.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - A Borsi
- Janssen EMEA, Beerse, Belgium
| | - W Noel
- Janssen EMEA, Beerse, Belgium
| | - J Lee
- Janssen EMEA, Beerse, Belgium
| | | | | | | | - E J Hardy
- Mtech Access, Bicester, Oxfordshire, UK
| | | | | | - Nils Erik Gilhus
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
- Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
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Tannemaat MR, Huijbers MG, Verschuuren JJGM. Myasthenia gravis-Pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2024; 200:283-305. [PMID: 38494283 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-823912-4.00026-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease characterized by dysfunction of the neuromuscular junction resulting in skeletal muscle weakness. It is equally prevalent in males and females, but debuts at a younger age in females and at an older age in males. Ptosis, diplopia, facial bulbar weakness, and limb weakness are the most common symptoms. MG can be classified based on the presence of serum autoantibodies. Acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibodies are found in 80%-85% of patients, muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) antibodies in 5%-8%, and <1% may have low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4 (Lrp4) antibodies. Approximately 10% of patients are seronegative for antibodies binding the known disease-related antigens. In patients with AChR MG, 10%-20% have a thymoma, which is usually detected at the onset of the disease. Important differences between clinical presentation, treatment responsiveness, and disease mechanisms have been observed between these different serologic MG classes. Besides the typical clinical features and serologic testing, the diagnosis can be established with additional tests, including repetitive nerve stimulation, single fiber EMG, and the ice pack test. Treatment options for MG consist of symptomatic treatment (such as pyridostigmine), immunosuppressive treatment, or thymectomy. Despite the treatment with symptomatic drugs, steroid-sparing immunosuppressants, intravenous immunoglobulins, plasmapheresis, and thymectomy, a large proportion of patients remain chronically dependent on corticosteroids (CS). In the past decade, the number of treatment options for MG has considerably increased. Advances in the understanding of the pathophysiology have led to new treatment options targeting B or T cells, the complement cascade, the neonatal Fc receptor or cytokines. In the future, these new treatments are likely to reduce the chronic use of CS, diminish side effects, and decrease the number of patients with refractory disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martijn R Tannemaat
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Maartje G Huijbers
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands; Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Mishra AK, Varma A. Myasthenia Gravis: A Systematic Review. Cureus 2023; 15:e50017. [PMID: 38186498 PMCID: PMC10767470 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.50017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG), a rare disease, is the most common neuromuscular junction problem. It's the quintessential autoimmune disease with ocular, bulbar, respiratory, axial, and limb muscles exhibiting a typical fatigable weakening due to the development of antibodies against the acetylcholine receptor (AChR). Infections, stress, surgeries, thymus gland anomalies, and pharmaceutical side effects can also cause it. Ocular symptoms are initially experienced by most of the sufferers. The majority of the sufferers will go through at least one episode of symptom exacerbation during their illness. The immune system in MG interferes with nerve-muscle communication, causing muscles to become weak and tired quickly. The actual cause is not yet known, but a problem in the thymus gland may be the cause. In a person suffering from this disease, the size of the thymus becomes larger than normal, which is also called thymic hyperplasia. It is more common for women to have early-onset MG (EOMG) than for males to have late-onset MG (LOMG). Merely clinical evidence, encompassing the patients' medical history and physical indications of fluctuating muscle weakness in a specific region, is utilized to diagnose MG. Complementary diagnostic procedures and lab techniques aid in confirming the synaptic dysfunction and characterizing its kind and degree. Early diagnosis and the availability of effective treatments have reduced the burden of severe impairment and high mortality previously associated with MG. Current immunomodulation-based therapies come with side effects brought on by persistent immune suppression. Improved knowledge of this relatively uncommon but curable condition is required among primary carers. The objective of this review is to provide information about MG and to help people recognize its symptoms and start treatment without panic so that the progression of this disease can be stopped and complications can be avoided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneesh K Mishra
- Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Anuj Varma
- Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
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Chen X, Qiu J, Gao Z, Liu B, Zhang C, Yu W, Yang J, Shen Y, Qi L, Yao X, Sun H, Yang X. Myasthenia gravis: Molecular mechanisms and promising therapeutic strategies. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 218:115872. [PMID: 37865142 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a type of autoimmune disease caused by the blockage of neuromuscular junction transmission owing to the attack of autoantibodies on transmission-related proteins. Related antibodies, such as anti-AChR, anti-MuSK and anti-LRP4 antibodies, can be detected in most patients with MG. Although traditional therapies can control most symptoms, several challenges remain to be addressed, necessitating the development of more effective and safe treatment strategies for MG. With the in-depth exploration on the mechanism and immune targets of MG, effective therapies, especially therapies using biologicals, have been reported recently. Given the important roles of immune cells, cytokines and intercellular interactions in the pathological process of MG, B-cell targeted therapy, T-cell targeted therapy, proteasome inhibitors targeting plasma cell, complement inhibitors, FcRn inhibitors have been developed for the treatment of MG. Although these novel therapies exert good therapeutic effects, they may weaken the immunity and increase the risk of infection in MG patients. This review elaborates on the pathogenesis of MG and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of the strategies of traditional treatment and biologicals. In addition, this review emphasises that combined therapy may have better therapeutic effects and reducing the risk of side effects of treatments, which has great prospects for the treatment of MG. With the deepening of research on immunotherapy targets in MG, novel opportunities and challenges in the treatment of MG will be introduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province 226001, PR China
| | - Jiayi Qiu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical College, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province 226001, PR China
| | - Zihui Gao
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province 226001, PR China
| | - Boya Liu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province 226001, PR China
| | - Chen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province 226001, PR China
| | - Weiran Yu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical College, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province 226001, PR China
| | - Jiawen Yang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical College, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province 226001, PR China
| | - Yuntian Shen
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province 226001, PR China
| | - Lei Qi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province 226001, PR China
| | - Xinlei Yao
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province 226001, PR China.
| | - Hualin Sun
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province 226001, PR China.
| | - Xiaoming Yang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province 226001, PR China.
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Golfinopoulou R, Giudicelli V, Manso T, Kossida S. Delving into Molecular Pathways: Analyzing the Mechanisms of Action of Monoclonal Antibodies Integrated in IMGT/mAb-DB for Myasthenia Gravis. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1756. [PMID: 38140161 PMCID: PMC10747390 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11121756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a rare autoimmune disease presenting with auto-antibodies that affect the neuromuscular junction. In addition to symptomatic treatment options, novel therapeutics include monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). IMGT®, the international ImMunoGeneTics information system®, extends the characterization of therapeutic antibodies with a systematic description of their mechanisms of action (MOA) and makes them available through its database for mAbs and fusion proteins, IMGT/mAb-DB. METHODS Using available literature data combined with amino acid sequence analyses from mAbs managed in IMGT/2Dstructure-DB, the IMGT® protein database, biocuration allowed us to define in a standardized way descriptions of MOAs of mAbs that target molecules towards MG treatment. RESULTS New therapeutic targets include FcRn and molecules such as CD38, CD40, CD19, MS4A1, and interleukin-6 receptor. A standardized graphical representation of the MOAs of selected mAbs was created and integrated within IMGT/mAb-DB. The main mechanisms involved in these mAbs are either blocking or neutralizing. Therapies directed to B cell depletion and plasma cells have a blocking MOA with an immunosuppressant effect along with Fc-effector function (MS4A1, CD38) or FcγRIIb engager effect (CD19). Monoclonal antibodies targeting the complement also have a blocking MOA with a complement inhibitor effect, and treatments targeting T cells have a blocking MOA with an immunosuppressant effect (CD40) and Fc-effector function (IL6R). On the other hand, FcRn antagonists present a neutralizing MOA with an FcRn inhibitor effect. CONCLUSION The MOA of each new mAb needs to be considered in association with the immunopathogenesis of each of the subtypes of MG in order to integrate the new mAbs as a viable and safe option in the therapy decision process. In IMGT/mAb-DB, mAbs for MG are characterized by their sequence, domains, and chains, and their MOA is described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Golfinopoulou
- IMGT, The International ImMunoGeneTics Information System, National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), Institute of Human Genetics (IGH), University of Montpellier (UM), 34090 Montpellier, France; (R.G.); (V.G.)
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Véronique Giudicelli
- IMGT, The International ImMunoGeneTics Information System, National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), Institute of Human Genetics (IGH), University of Montpellier (UM), 34090 Montpellier, France; (R.G.); (V.G.)
| | - Taciana Manso
- IMGT, The International ImMunoGeneTics Information System, National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), Institute of Human Genetics (IGH), University of Montpellier (UM), 34090 Montpellier, France; (R.G.); (V.G.)
| | - Sofia Kossida
- IMGT, The International ImMunoGeneTics Information System, National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), Institute of Human Genetics (IGH), University of Montpellier (UM), 34090 Montpellier, France; (R.G.); (V.G.)
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Chen H, Qiu Y, Yin Z, Wang Z, Tang Y, Ni H, Lu J, Chen Z, Kong Y, Wang Z. Efficacy and safety of the innovative monoclonal antibodies in adults with generalized myasthenia gravis: a Bayesian network analysis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1280226. [PMID: 38022544 PMCID: PMC10663412 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1280226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background A series of clinical trials support the effectiveness of monoclonal antibodies for generalized myasthenia gravis (MG) compared to the placebo, but the priority among drugs remains unclear. Therefore, we conduct a frequentist network meta-analysis (NMA) to compare the relative effects of different drugs for generalized MG. Methods PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and clinicaltrials.gov were systematically searched for eligible studies up to 1 June 2023. The primary outcome was efficacy (Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living [MG-ADL] score and Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis [QMG] score) and safety (adverse events [AEs]). Mean difference (MD) and risk ratio (RR) with their 95% credible intervals (95%CrIs) were used to show the effect size of continuous and categorical variables, respectively. The quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Results Thirteen studies involving 1167 individuals were identified for NMA. For efficacy outcomes, belimumab, efgartigimod, mezagitamab 600mg, and nipocalimab 60mg/kg were inferior to rozanolixzumab 7mg/kg (MD ranged from 2 to 3.69) and rozanolixzumab 10mg/kg (MD ranged from 2.04 to 3.72) in MG-ADL score, and rozanolixzumab had the highest rank probability (83%) according to the subjective surface under the curve ranking area (SUCRA). For QMG score, batoclimab 340mg (MD ranged from 4.32 to 8.52) and batoclimab 680mg (MD ranged from 4.11 to 9.31) were more effective than placebo and other monoclonal antibodies except for rozanolixzumab, with the highest SUCRA value (93% and 97% respectively). For safety outcomes, belimumab achieved the highest SUCRA value (89.8%) with significant statistical difference compared to rozanolixzumab 7mg/kg (RR 0.08, 95%CrI 0.01 to 0.94) and rozanolixzumab 10mg/kg (RR 0.08, 95%CrI 0.01 to 0.86). Conclusion While all monoclonal antibodies were superior to the placebo, rozanolixzumab and batoclimab might be the most effective for generalized MG. However, rozanolixzumab was associated with higher incidence of AEs. Given the limitations inherent in indirect comparisons, further head-to-head and extensive observational studies are necessary to confirm our findings. Systematic review registration https://inplasy.com/?s=202370112, identifier 202370112.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiru Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Youjia Qiu
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ziqian Yin
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zilan Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yanbing Tang
- Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hanyu Ni
- Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiaye Lu
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhouqing Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Kong
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhong Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
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Zhang Z, Xie X, Cai Y, Liu P, Liu S, Chen R, Wang J, Wang Y, Zhao Y, Zhu Z, Zhang X, Wu J. Abnormal immune function of B lymphocyte in peripheral blood of Parkinson's disease. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2023; 116:105890. [PMID: 37839276 DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2023.105890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with peripheral inflammation and abnormal peripheral blood lymphocyte immune responses. Peripheral blood B-lymphocyte subset distributions and whether they are associated with PD are unclear. METHODS Sixty-one PD patients and sixty-one one-to-one paired healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled. We used flow cytometry to perform immunophenotyping of peripheral B-lymphocyte, in vitro stimulation and measured serum cytokine. The relationship between variables and PD were assessed. RESULTS The percentage of naive B cells in blood of PD patients was decreased, whereas the percentages of regulatory B cells (Bregs), plasma blast cells (PBCs), and double-negative (DN) B cells were increased. The absolute counts of B-lymphocyte and naive B cells in blood of PD patients were decreased. Regression analysis revealed that alterations in the absolute counts of B-lymphocyte and the percentage of Bregs and DN B cells were associated with PD. After stimulation, the percentages of Bregs, PBCs, and switched memory (SwM) B cells increased in PD patients. Additionally, increases in GM-CSF-producing B-cell, IFN-γ-producing B-cell, and TNF-α-producing B-cell percentages were noted in PD. Serum levels of a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL), B-cell activating factor (BAFF) and soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) were elevated in PD and correlated negatively with the UPDRS III score. CONCLUSIONS Abnormal B-lymphocyte immune responses in peripheral blood may contribute to PD development. Alterations in the absolute counts of B-lymphocyte and the percentage of Bregs and DN B cells are associated with PD. Furthermore, APRIL, BAFF, and sCD40L could be potential targets for intervention in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Zhang
- Clinical College of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Neurorehabilitation, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xin Xie
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cerebral Vascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Tianjin Neurosurgical Institute, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin, China; Department of Neurology, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Ying Cai
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cerebral Vascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Tianjin Neurosurgical Institute, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Peipei Liu
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Shoufeng Liu
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Rongjie Chen
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jin Wang
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Clinical College of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Neurorehabilitation, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yanan Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhizhong Zhu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xinyuan Zhang
- Clinical College of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Neurorehabilitation, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jialing Wu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cerebral Vascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Tianjin Neurosurgical Institute, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin, China; Department of Neurology, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin, China.
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Sánchez-Tejerina D, Sotoca J, Llaurado A, López-Diego V, Juntas-Morales R, Salvado M. New Targeted Agents in Myasthenia Gravis and Future Therapeutic Strategies. J Clin Med 2022; 11:6394. [PMID: 36362622 PMCID: PMC9658349 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11216394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune disease for which multiple immunomodulatory therapies are available. Nevertheless, MG has a significant impact on patient quality of life. In recent years, experts' main efforts have focused on optimizing treatment strategies, since disease burden is considerably affected by their safety and tolerability profiles, especially in patients with refractory phenotypes. This article aims to offer neurologists caring for MG patients an overview of the most innovative targeted drugs specifically designed for this disease and summarizes the recent literature and more recent evidence on agents targeting B cells and plasmablasts, complement inhibitors, and neonatal fragment crystallizable receptor (FcRn) antagonists. Positive clinical trial results have been reported, and other studies are ongoing. Finally, we briefly discuss how the introduction of these novel targeted immunological therapies in a changing management paradigm would affect not only clinical outcomes, disease burden, safety, and tolerability, but also health spending in a condition that is increasingly managed based on a patient-centred model.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Maria Salvado
- Clinic of Neuromuscular Disorders and Rare Diseases, Neurology Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute, European Reference Network for Neuromuscular and Rare Diseases EURO-NMD, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
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Dos Santos JBR, Gomes RM, da Silva MRR. Abdeg technology for the treatment of myasthenia gravis: efgartigimod drug experience. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2022; 18:879-888. [PMID: 35892247 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2022.2106972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Myasthenia gravis is characterized by fluctuating muscle weakness that improves with rest and worsens with effort or throughout the day. AREAS COVERED Efgartigimod is a human IgG1-derived Fc fragment modified at five residues to increase its affinity for the neonatal Fc receptor by Abdeg technology. Thus, efgartigimod binds to the neonatal Fc receptor and decreases the levels of IgG, including autoantibodies of this isotype. For acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody-positive patients, efgartigimod had a higher proportion of MG-ADL responders than placebo in the first treatment cycle. The mean changes of multiple outcomes from baseline were better for efgartigimod than placebo from weeks 1 to 7 in the first treatment cycle. The decrease of IgG and AChR autoantibodies was 61.3% and 57.6% one week after the first treatment cycle ends, respectively. The most common adverse events were headache, nasopharyngitis, nausea, and diarrhea, which occurred in the same proportion in the efgartigimod and placebo groups. Urinary and upper respiratory tract infections were twice as frequent in efgartigimod-treated patients. EXPERT OPINION Efgartigimod was efficacious and safe for generalized myasthenia patients with AChR antibody-positive patients. These findings need to be confirmed in AChR antibody-negative patients, and long-term safety studies are currently ongoing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jéssica Barreto Ribeiro Dos Santos
- Health Economics and Technology Assessment Group; Center for Exact, Natural and Health Sciences; Federal University of Espírito Santo, Alto Universitário S/N, Guararema, Alegre, Espírito Santo, 29500-000, Brazil
| | - Rosângela Maria Gomes
- Department of Management and Incorporation of Technologies and Innovation in Health; Secretariat of Science, Technology and Strategic Inputs; Ministry of Health of Brazil, Brasilia, Federal District, 70058-900, Brazil
| | - Michael Ruberson Ribeiro da Silva
- Health Economics and Technology Assessment Group; Center for Exact, Natural and Health Sciences; Federal University of Espírito Santo, Alto Universitário S/N, Guararema, Alegre, Espírito Santo, 29500-000, Brazil
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Kaminski HJ, Denk J. Corticosteroid Treatment-Resistance in Myasthenia Gravis. Front Neurol 2022; 13:886625. [PMID: 35547366 PMCID: PMC9083070 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.886625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic, high-dose, oral prednisone has been the mainstay of myasthenia gravis treatment for decades and has proven to be highly beneficial in many, toxic in some way to all, and not effective in a significant minority. No patient characteristics or biomarkers are predictive of treatment response leading to many patients suffering adverse effects with no benefit. Presently, measurements of treatment response, whether taken from clinician or patient perspective, are appreciated to be limited by lack of good correlation, which then complicates correlation to biological measures. Treatment response may be limited because disease mechanisms are not influenced by corticosteroids, limits on dosage because of adverse effects, or individual differences in corticosteroids. This review evaluates potential mechanisms that underlie lack of response to glucocorticoids in patients with myasthenia gravis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry J Kaminski
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Jordan Denk
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
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12
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CD40-CD40L in Neurological Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084115. [PMID: 35456932 PMCID: PMC9031401 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune-inflammatory conditions in the central nervous system (CNS) rely on molecular and cellular interactions which are homeostatically maintained to protect neural tissue from harm. The CD40–CD40L interaction upregulates key proinflammatory molecules, a function best understood in the context of infection, during which B-cells are activated via CD40 signaling to produce antibodies. However, the role of CD40 in neurological disease of non-infectious etiology is unclear. We review the role of CD40–CD40L in traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, stroke, epilepsy, nerve injury, multiple sclerosis, ALS, myasthenia gravis and brain tumors. We also highlight therapeutic advancements targeting the CD40 system to either attenuate the neuroinflammatory response or leverage the downstream effects of CD40 signaling for direct tumor cell lysis.
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Verschuuren JJGM, Palace J, Murai H, Tannemaat MR, Kaminski HJ, Bril V. Advances and ongoing research in the treatment of autoimmune neuromuscular junction disorders. Lancet Neurol 2022; 21:189-202. [DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(21)00463-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Song Z, Zhang J, Meng J, Jiang G, Yan Z, Yang Y, Chen Z, You W, Wang Z, Chen G. Different Monoclonal Antibodies in Myasthenia Gravis: A Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:790834. [PMID: 35115936 PMCID: PMC8804097 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.790834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a common autoimmune disease with acquired neuromuscular transmission disorders. Recently, monoclonal antibodies have been shown to successfully treat a variety of diseases. Methods: In this meta-analysis, an appropriate search strategy was used to search eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on different monoclonal antibodies to treat patients with MG published up to September 2021 from the embase, PubMed, and Cochrane Library. We assessed the average difference or odds ratio between each drug and placebo and summarized them as the average and 95% confidence interval (CI), respectively. Results: In indicators of efficacy, patients receiving eculizumab (MD, −1.9; 95% CI, −3.2–0.76) had decreases in MG-ADL scores compared to placebo. In addition, only eculizumab (MD, −3.1; 95% CI, −4.7–1.5) and efgartigimod (MD, −1.4; 95% CI, −2.1–0.68) showed a significant difference from placebo in the amount of reduction in QMG scores, while neither of the other two monoclonal antibodies was statistically significant. With regard to the safety of monoclonal antibody therapy, there was no significant difference in the probability of AE in subjects treated with any of the four monoclonal antibodies compared to placebo. Conclusions: eculizumab was effective in reducing MG-ADL scores and QMG scores in myasthenia gravis. Meanwhile, eculizumab also caused fewer AE. As an emerging therapy, monoclonal antibodies are prospective in the treatment of MG. However, more researches are required to be invested in the future as the results obtained from small sample sizes are not reliable enough.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoming Song
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jiahao Meng
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Guannan Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zeya Yan
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yanbo Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhouqing Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Wanchun You
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Wanchun You, ; Zhong Wang,
| | - Zhong Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Wanchun You, ; Zhong Wang,
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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Schneider-Gold C, Gilhus NE. Advances and challenges in the treatment of myasthenia gravis. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2022; 14:17562864211065406. [PMID: 34987614 PMCID: PMC8721395 DOI: 10.1177/17562864211065406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune disease with fluctuating muscle weakness and fatigability. Standard immunomodulatory treatment may fail to achieve sufficient improvement with minimal symptom expression or remission of myasthenic symptoms, despite adequate dosing and duration of treatment. Treatment-resistant MG poses a challenge for both patients and treating neurologists and requires new therapeutic approaches. The spectrum of upcoming immunotherapies that more specifically address distinct targets of the main immunological players in MG pathogenesis includes T-cell directed monoclonal antibodies that block the intracellular cascade associated with T-cell activation, monoclonal antibodies directed against key B-cell molecules, as well as monoclonal antibodies against the fragment crystallizable neonatal receptor (FcRn), cytokines and transmigration molecules, and also drugs that inhibit distinct elements of the complement system activated by the pathogenic MG antibodies. The review gives an overview on new drugs being evaluated in still ongoing or recently finished controlled clinical trials and drugs of potential benefit in MG due to their mechanisms of action and positive effects in other autoimmune disorders. Also, the challenges associated with the new therapeutic options are discussed briefly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Schneider-Gold
- Department of Neurology, St. Josef Hospital, Ruhr-University of Bochum, Gudrunstrasse 56, Bochum D-44791, Germany
| | - Nils Erik Gilhus
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, NorwayDepartment of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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16
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Gomathy SB, Agarwal A, Vishnu VY. Molecular Therapy in Myasthenia Gravis. Neurology 2022. [DOI: 10.17925/usn.2022.18.1.49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder caused by antibodies that act against the myoneural junction. Conventional immunosuppressants such as corticosteroids, azathioprine and mycophenolate are associated with long-term side effects and many patients do not achieve remission and may become refractory. Thus, there is an unmet need for target-specific therapies that act faster, have fewer side effects and lead to stable disease remission. However, many of the novel therapeutic agents being described are not meeting their primary endpoints. We reviewed the current status of novel immunotherapies for MG, their mechanisms of action, along with the side effect profiles. Fast onset of action, sustained disease remission and relatively low frequency of side effects of the new agents are attractive. However, the unknown long-term safety and high cost are precluding factors. Better preclinical studies and more randomized trials are needed before novel agents are routinely employed.
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Xiao H, Wu K, Liang X, Li R, Lai KP. Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Eculizumab for Treating Myasthenia Gravis. Front Immunol 2021; 12:715036. [PMID: 34456922 PMCID: PMC8384962 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.715036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease primarily mediated by acetylcholine receptor antibodies (AChR-Ab), cellular immune dependence, and complement system involvement. Since the AChR on the postsynaptic membrane is destroyed by an immune attack, sufficient endplate potential cannot be generated, resulting in the development of a synaptic transmission disorder at the neuromuscular junction and in muscle weakness. The role of the complement system in MG has been demonstrated in animal models and clinical tests, and it has been determined that complement inhibition in patients with MG can prevent disease induction and reverse its progression. Eculizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that inhibits the cleavage of complement protein C5 and prevents autoimmune damage; additionally, it has received subsequent approval by the Federal Drug Administration of the United States for MG treatment. However, various concerns regarding the use of eculizumab persist. In this review, we have discussed the treatment time, cost effectiveness, long-term efficacy, and tolerability of eculizumab for MG treatment. We have also summarized historical information and have presented perspectives on this new therapeutic modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Guigang City People's Hospital, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guigang, China
| | - Ka Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second People's Hospital of Nanning City, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Xiaoliu Liang
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Rong Li
- Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Keng Po Lai
- Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Integrative Omics, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
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Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the field of oncology by modulating the immune cell-cancer cell interaction and thereby promoting immune system disinhibition in order to target several types of malignancies. There are three classes of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs): anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4), anti-programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1), and anti-programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1).It is not uncommon for physicians across all specialties to encounter a patient with a history of malignancy and ICI exposure, necessitating familiarity with their potential complications. In this review article, we discuss the most common immune-related adverse events (irAEs) pertaining to the central and peripheral nervous systems and their potential afferent and efferent neuro-ophthalmic manifestations. Early recognition and treatment of these irAEs, and discontinuation of the offending ICI are all critical steps to prevent morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loulwah Mukharesh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye & Ear/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bart K Chwalisz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye & Ear/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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