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Wu D, Li J, Xu D, Merrill JT, van Vollenhoven RF, Liu Y, Hu J, Li Y, Li F, Huang C, Wang G, Li X, Zhao J, Zhao D, Huang C, Liu H, Wei W, Shi G, Lu F, Zuo X, Bi L, Li Z, Wang X, Zhang M, Tie N, Li J, Mo H, Fang J, Bao C, Zhang F. Telitacicept in patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus: results of a phase 2b, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Ann Rheum Dis 2024; 83:475-487. [PMID: 38129117 PMCID: PMC10958275 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2023-224854] [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: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This phase 2b, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of telitacicept, a novel fusion protein that neutralises signals of B lymphocyte stimulator and a proliferation-inducing ligand, in active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS Adult patients with active SLE (n=249) were recruited from 29 hospitals in China and randomised 1:1:1:1 to receive subcutaneous telitacicept at 80 mg (n=62), 160 mg (n=63), 240 mg (n=62) or placebo (n=62) once weekly in addition to standard therapy. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving an SLE Responder Index 4 (SRI-4) response at week 48. Missing data were imputed using the last observation carried forward method. RESULTS At week 48, the proportion of patients achieving an SRI-4 response was 75.8% in the 240 mg telitacicept group, 68.3% in the 160 mg group, 71.0% in the 80 mg group and 33.9% in the placebo group (all p<0.001). Significant treatment responses were observed in secondary endpoints, including a ≥4-point reduction on the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index, a lack of Physician's Global Assessment score worsening and a glucocorticoid dose reduction in the 240 mg group. Telitacicept was well tolerated, and the incidence of adverse events and serious adverse events was similar between the telitacicept and placebo groups. CONCLUSIONS This phase 2b clinical trial met the primary endpoint. All telitacicept groups showed a significantly higher proportion of patients achieving an SRI-4 response than the placebo group at week 48, and all doses were well tolerated. These results support further investigations of telitacicept in clinical trials involving more diverse populations and larger sample sizes. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT02885610).
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Wu
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College; National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases (NCRC-DID), Ministry of Science & Technology; State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH); Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College; National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases (NCRC-DID), Ministry of Science & Technology; State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH); Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Dong Xu
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College; National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases (NCRC-DID), Ministry of Science & Technology; State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH); Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Joan T Merrill
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Ronald F van Vollenhoven
- Department of Rheumatology, Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiankang Hu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Jiangxi Pingxiang People's Hospital, Pingxiang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Guangdong People's Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Fen Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chenghui Huang
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Guochun Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaomei Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Anhui Provincial Hospital, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jianhong Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Jining No. 1 People's Hospital, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Dongbao Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Changhai Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Cibo Huang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, South China Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Huaxiang Liu
- Department of Rheumatology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Guixiu Shi
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Fuai Lu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Baotou Medical College, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Xiaoxia Zuo
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Liqi Bi
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Zhijun Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaoxia Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Miaojia Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ning Tie
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Juan Li
- Rheumatology of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hanyou Mo
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Jianmin Fang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- RemeGen Co., Ltd, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Chunde Bao
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fengchun Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College; National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases (NCRC-DID), Ministry of Science & Technology; State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH); Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
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Rezazadeh M, Jokar MH, Mehrnaz Aghili S, Mirfeizi Z, Mahmoudi M, Morovatdar N, Hashemzadeh K. Association between levels of serum and urinary B cell-activating factor and systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity. Arch Rheumatol 2023; 38:429-440. [PMID: 38046245 PMCID: PMC10689013 DOI: 10.46497/archrheumatol.2023.9549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study investigated the correlation between serum and urinary B cell-activating factor (BAFF) levels and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) disease activity. Patients and methods This case-control study was conducted with 87 participants between December 2020 and September 2021. Sixty-two SLE patients who fulfilled the eligibility criteria were enrolled. SLE patients were categorized into active (n=34) and inactive (n=28) groups based on their Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) scores. The control group consisted of 25 healthy subjects. Serum and urine samples were collected for the measurement of BAFF levels. Finally, the relationship between these variables and SLE disease activity was investigated. Results The mean age of active (SLEDAI-2K >4) and inactive (SLEDAI-2K ≤4) SLE patients and healthy individuals were 32.8±7.8, 32.5±6.8, and 31.7±7.8 years, respectively (p=0.62). The median serum BAFF (s-BAFF) and urinary BAFF (u-BAFF) in active lupus patients (10.4 [2.3] ng/mL and 8.2 [3.7] ng/mL, respectively) were significantly higher than in inactive lupus patients (6 (7.1) ng/mL and 1.7 (4.7) ng/mL, respectively; p<0.001) and the control group (3 (3.7) ng/mL and 1.6 (2.2) ng/mL, respectively; p<0.001). However, s-BAFF (p=0.07) and u-BAFF (p=0.43) did not significantly differ between the inactive group and the control group. A significant positive correlation was observed between s-BAFF (r=0.41 and p=0.001) and u-BAFF (r=0.78 and p<0.001) levels and the SLEDAI-2K score. Conclusion There is a significant positive correlation between serum and urinary BAFF levels and SLE disease activity. Furthermore, significantly higher levels of s-BAFF and u-BAFF have been observed in patients with active lupus compared to inactive and healthy subjects, indicating a possible role for BAFF in the pathogenesis of SLE disease activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Rezazadeh
- Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Rheumatic Diseases Research Center, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hasan Jokar
- Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Rheumatic Diseases Research Center, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Mehrnaz Aghili
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Zahra Mirfeizi
- Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Rheumatic Diseases Research Center, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Mahmoudi
- Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Bu-Ali Research Institute, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Negar Morovatdar
- Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Clinical Research Unit, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Kamila Hashemzadeh
- Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Rheumatic Diseases Research Center, Mashhad, Iran
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Álvarez Gómez JA, Salazar-Camarena DC, Román-Fernández IV, Ortiz-Lazareno PC, Cruz A, Muñoz-Valle JF, Marín-Rosales M, Espinoza-García N, Sagrero-Fabela N, Palafox-Sánchez CA. BAFF system expression in double negative 2, activated naïve and activated memory B cells in systemic lupus erythematosus. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1235937. [PMID: 37675114 PMCID: PMC10478082 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1235937] [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: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction B cell activating factor (BAFF) has an important role in normal B cell development. The aberrant expression of BAFF is related with the autoimmune diseases development like Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) for promoting self-reactive B cells survival. BAFF functions are exerted through its receptors BAFF-R (BR3), transmembrane activator calcium modulator and cyclophilin ligand interactor (TACI) and B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) that are reported to have differential expression on B cells in SLE. Recently, atypical B cells that express CD11c have been associated with SLE because they are prone to develop into antibody-secreting cells, however the relationship with BAFF remains unclear. This study aims to analyze the BAFF system expression on CXCR5- CD11c+ atypical B cell subsets double negative 2 (DN2), activated naïve (aNAV), switched memory (SWM) and unswitched memory (USM) B cells. Methods Forty-five SLE patients and 15 healthy subjects (HS) were included. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the expression of the receptors in the B cell subpopulations. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to quantify the soluble levels of BAFF (sBAFF) and IL-21. Results We found increased frequency of CXCR5- CD11c+ atypical B cell subpopulations DN2, aNAV, SWM and USM B cells in SLE patients compared to HS. SLE patients had increased expression of membrane BAFF (mBAFF) and BCMA receptor in classic B cell subsets (DN, NAV, SWM and USM). Also, the CXCR5+ CD11c- DN1, resting naïve (rNAV), SWM and USM B cell subsets showed higher mBAFF expression in SLE. CXCR5- CD11c+ atypical B cell subpopulations DN2, SWM and USM B cells showed strong correlations with the expression of BAFF receptors. The atypical B cells DN2 in SLE showed significant decreased expression of TACI, which correlated with higher IL-21 levels. Also, lower expression of TACI in atypical B cell DN2 was associated with high disease activity. Discussion These results suggest a participation of the BAFF system in CXCR5- CD11c+ atypical B cell subsets in SLE patients. Decreased TACI expression on atypical B cells DN2 correlated with high disease activity in SLE patients supporting the immunoregulatory role of TACI in autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jhonatan Antonio Álvarez Gómez
- Doctorado en Ciencias en Biología Molecular en Medicina (DCBMM), Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Diana Celeste Salazar-Camarena
- Grupo de Inmunología Molecular, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Ilce Valeria Román-Fernández
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas (IICB), Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Pablo César Ortiz-Lazareno
- División de Inmunología, Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Occidente (CIBO), Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Alvaro Cruz
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas (IICB), Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - José Francisco Muñoz-Valle
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas (IICB), Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Miguel Marín-Rosales
- Grupo de Inmunología Molecular, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
- Hospital General de Occidente, Secretaría de Salud Jalisco, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Noemí Espinoza-García
- Doctorado en Ciencias en Biología Molecular en Medicina (DCBMM), Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Nefertari Sagrero-Fabela
- Doctorado en Ciencias Biomédicas (DCB), Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Claudia Azucena Palafox-Sánchez
- Grupo de Inmunología Molecular, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas (IICB), Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
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Stohl W, Kwok A. Belimumab for the treatment of pediatric patients with lupus nephritis. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2023; 23:243-251. [PMID: 36750049 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2023.2178297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The FDA approved the anti-BAFF monoclonal antibody, belimumab, in 2011 for adult systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), in 2019 for pediatric SLE, in 2020 for adult lupus nephritis (LN), and in 2022 for pediatric LN. AREAS COVERED We performed a PUBMED database search through November 2022, using 'belimumab and lupus nephritis,' 'belimumab and childhood systemic lupus erythematosus,' 'belimumab and pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus,' and 'belimumab and juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus' as the search phrases. We also vetted pertinent references cited in the papers gleaned from the above search, and we drew from our personal literature collections. EXPERT OPINION Based on clinical-trials and real-world experience, belimumab is useful and safe in adult SLE and LN. In contrast and despite FDA approval, evidence of effectiveness in pediatric SLE and pediatric LN is very limited. Whereas there was a trend favoring belimumab in the only randomized, controlled trial to date in pediatric SLE, the difference between the belimumab and placebo groups failed to achieve statistical significance. Moreover, there have been no randomized, controlled trials for belimumab in pediatric LN. Based largely on information gleaned from experience in adults, the clinician can cautiously prescribe belimumab to his/her pediatric LN patient and hope for benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Stohl
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Alyssa Kwok
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Giordano D, Kuley R, Draves KE, Elkon KB, Giltiay NV, Clark EA. B cell-activating factor (BAFF) from dendritic cells, monocytes and neutrophils is required for B cell maturation and autoantibody production in SLE-like autoimmune disease. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1050528. [PMID: 36923413 PMCID: PMC10009188 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1050528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose and methods B cell-activating factor (BAFF) contributes to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Although several anti-BAFF Abs and derivatives have been developed for the treatment of SLE, the specific sources of BAFF that sustain autoantibody (auto-Ab) producing cells have not been definitively identified. Using BAFF-RFP reporter mice, we identified major changes in BAFF-producing cells in two mouse spontaneous lupus models (Tlr7 Tg mice and Sle1), and in a pristane-induced lupus (PIL) model. Results First, we confirmed that similar to their wildtype Tlr7 Tg and Sle1 mice counterparts, BAFF-RFP Tlr7 Tg mice and BAFF-RFP Sle1 mice had increased BAFF serum levels, which correlated with increases in plasma cells and auto-Ab production. Next, using the RFP reporter, we defined which cells had dysregulated BAFF production. BAFF-producing neutrophils (Nphs), monocytes (MOs), cDCs, T cells and B cells were all expanded in the spleens of BAFF-RFP Tlr7 Tg mice and BAFF-RFP Sle1 mice compared to controls. Furthermore, Ly6Chi inflammatory MOs and T cells had significantly increased BAFF expression per cell in both spontaneous lupus models, while CD8- DCs up-regulated BAFF expression only in the Tlr7 Tg mice. Similarly, pristane injection of BAFF-RFP mice induced increases in serum BAFF levels, auto-Abs, and the expansion of BAFF-producing Nphs, MOs, and DCs in both the spleen and peritoneal cavity. BAFF expression in MOs and DCs, in contrast to BAFF from Nphs, was required to maintain homeostatic and pristane-induced systemic BAFF levels and to sustain mature B cell pools in spleens and BMs. Although acting through different mechanisms, Nph, MO and DC sources of BAFF were each required for the development of auto-Abs in PIL mice. Conclusions Our findings underscore the importance of considering the relative roles of specific myeloid BAFF sources and B cell niches when developing treatments for SLE and other BAFF-associated autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Giordano
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- *Correspondence: Daniela Giordano,
| | - Runa Kuley
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Kevin E. Draves
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Keith B. Elkon
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Natalia V. Giltiay
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Edward A. Clark
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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Shen Z, Ma J, Peng R, Hu B, Zhao Y, Liu S, Hong J. Biomarkers in Ocular Graft-Versus-Host Disease: Implications for the Involvement of B Cells. Transplant Cell Ther 2022; 28:749.e1-749.e7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtct.2022.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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Raymond WD, Hamdorf M, Furfaro M, Eilertsen GO, Nossent JC. Smoking associates with increased BAFF and decreased interferon-γ levels in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus Sci Med 2021; 8:8/1/e000537. [PMID: 34725185 PMCID: PMC8562512 DOI: 10.1136/lupus-2021-000537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Objective In SLE, smoking increases the burden of cutaneous disease and organ damage, and leads to premature mortality. However, the effect of smoking on disease manifestations and cytokine levels of patients with SLE is unclear. This study compared characteristics of patients with SLE across smoking status, and determined the association of smoking with serum cytokine levels. Method A cross-sectional study of patients with SLE (n=99) during a research visit in which smoking status was ascertained. Smoking status was compared across classification criteria (American College of Rheumatology Classification Criteria for SLE (ACR97)), disease activity (SLE Disease Activity Index), autoantibody levels, accrued damage (Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/ACR Damage Index), and circulating concentrations of serum interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-17, B cell-activating factor (BAFF), tumour necrosis factor-alpha, transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), macrophage inflammatory protein 1 alpha (MIP-1α), MIP-1β and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1. Linear regression models determined the association between smoking and cytokine levels, adjusting for age and sex, clinical characteristics (model 1), and anti-inflammatory (IL-4, IL-10 and TGF- β1) and regulatory (IL-1β) cytokines (model 2). Results Among patients with SLE (97.9% ANA+; mean 48.48 years old; 86.9% female; mean 10 years of disease duration), 35.4% (n=35 of 99) were smoking (an average of 7 cigarettes/day for 24 years). Smokers had increased odds of prevalent ACR97 malar rash (OR 3.40, 95% CI 1.23 to 9.34) and mucosal ulcers (OR 3.31, 95% CI 1.36 to 8.05). Smokers had more arthritis (OR 3.19, 95% CI 1.19 to 8.60), migraine (OR 2.82, 95% CI 1.07 to 7.44), Raynaud’s phenomenon (OR 5.15, 95% CI 1.95 to 13.56) and increased non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use (OR 6.88, 95% CI 1.99 to 23.72). Smoking associated with 27% increased BAFF levels (95% CI 6% to 48%) and 42% decreased IFN-γ levels (95% CI −79% to −5%) in model 2. Conclusion In patients with SLE, smoking independently associated with increased BAFF and decreased IFN-γ levels, and an increased frequency of arthritis, migraine and Raynaud’s phenomenon. Smoking cessation is advisable to reduce systemic inflammation, reduce disease activity and improve host defence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warren David Raymond
- Rheumatology Section, Medical School, University of Western Australia Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Matthew Hamdorf
- Rheumatology Section, Medical School, University of Western Australia Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Michael Furfaro
- Rheumatology Section, Medical School, University of Western Australia Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | | | - Johannes Cornelis Nossent
- Rheumatology Section, Medical School, University of Western Australia Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia.,Clinical Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromso, Norway
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Wallace DJ, Isenberg DA, Morand EF, Vazquez-Mateo C, Kao AH, Aydemir A, Pudota K, Ona V, Aranow C, Merrill JT. Safety and clinical activity of atacicept in the long-term extension of the phase 2b ADDRESS II study in systemic lupus erythematosus. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021; 60:5379-5389. [PMID: 33547784 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keab115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Atacicept reduced SLE disease activity in the phase 2b ADDRESS II study, particularly in patients with high disease activity (HDA; SLEDAI-2K ≥10) at screening. We assessed long-term safety and efficacy of atacicept in the long-term extension (LTE) of ADDRESS II. METHODS In the 24-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled ADDRESS II study, patients received weekly atacicept (75 or 150 mg) or placebo. Atacicept was continued at the same dose in atacicept-treated patients in the LTE; placebo-treated patients switched to atacicept 150 mg. Long-term safety was the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints included SLE responder index (SRI)-4 and SRI-6 response rates and flares. RESULTS In total, 253 patients entered the ADDRESS II LTE; 88 received atacicept 150 mg, 82 atacicept 75 mg and 83 placebo/atacicept 150 mg. Median active treatment duration in the LTE was 83.8 weeks. Frequencies of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were similar across groups (90.4-93.2%), and 12.5%, 14.6% and 21.7% of patients in the atacicept 150 mg, atacicept 75 mg and placebo/atacicept 150 mg groups reported serious TEAEs during the treatment period. The proportions of patients with TEAEs leading to discontinuation were 5.7%, 4.9% and 10.8%, respectively. SRI-4 and SRI-6 response rates were maintained with atacicept in the modified intent-to-treat and HDA populations and those on continuous 150 mg had a reduced risk of first severe flare and longer time to first severe flare vs those who initially received placebo. CONCLUSION Long-term treatment with atacicept 150 mg in SLE patients had an acceptable safety profile, with durable efficacy. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, http://clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02070978.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Wallace
- Division of Rheumatology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - David A Isenberg
- Centre for Rheumatology/Division of Medicine, University College London, London, UK
| | - Eric F Morand
- Centre for Inflammatory Disease, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | - Victor Ona
- Global Safety, EMD Serono Research and Development Institute, Inc. (a business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany), Billerica, MA
| | - Cynthia Aranow
- Center for Autoimmunity, Musculoskeletal and Hematologic Diseases, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY
| | - Joan T Merrill
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
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Effects of sex and aging on the immune cell landscape as assessed by single-cell transcriptomic analysis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2023216118. [PMID: 34385315 PMCID: PMC8379935 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2023216118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Differences in immune functioning stem from multiple factors, including sex and aging. However, the specific roles of these variables in immunity remain elusive. We profiled immunocytes from young and old males and females at single-cell resolution and constructed a precise atlas of blood-circulating immunocytes. T cell– and B cell–activated signals were higher in young females than males, while aging increased the sex-related differences in immunocytes, cellular composition, and inflammatory signaling. Additionally, males showed a higher accumulation of inflammatory factors during aging, whereas cell–cell communication analysis revealed different trends in gene expression between females and males with aging. These findings might aid in the understanding of the mechanisms underlying sex-based differences in immunity and disease susceptibility across the lifespan. Sex and aging influence the human immune system, resulting in disparate responses to infection, autoimmunity, and cancer. However, the impact of sex and aging on the immune system is not yet fully elucidated. Using small conditional RNA sequencing, we found that females had a lower percentage of natural killer (NK) cells and a higher percentage of plasma cells in peripheral blood compared with males. Bioinformatics revealed that young females exhibited an overrepresentation of pathways that relate to T and B cell activation. Moreover, cell–cell communication analysis revealed evidence of increased activity of the BAFF/APRIL systems in females. Notably, aging increased the percentage of monocytes and reduced the percentage of naïve T cells in the blood and the number of differentially expressed genes between the sexes. Aged males expressed higher levels of inflammatory genes. Collectively, the results suggest that females have more plasma cells in the circulation and a stronger BAFF/APRIL system, which is consistent with a stronger adaptive immune response. In contrast, males have a higher percentage of NK cells in blood and a higher expression of certain proinflammatory genes. Overall, this work expands our knowledge of sex differences in the immune system in humans.
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Ding J, Cai Y, Deng Y, Jiang X, Gao M, Lin Y, Zhao N, Wang Z, Yu H, Lv W, Zhang Y, Hao Y, Guan Y. Telitacicept Following Plasma Exchange in the Treatment of Subjects With Recurrent NMOSD: Study Protocol for a Single-Center, Single-Arm, Open-Label Study. Front Neurol 2021; 12:596791. [PMID: 33868140 PMCID: PMC8044936 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.596791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is an autoimmune demyelinating disease that recurrently relapses and leads to severe disability. The available choices for disease prevention are few or intolerable. Previous studies suggested that telitacicept may provide a promising therapeutic strategy for autoimmune diseases involving B cells. Therefore, this study aims to assess the effectiveness and safety of telitacicept for recurrent NMOSD. Methods: We will perform a single-arm, single-center, open-label, specialist study with a total enrollment of eight participants. The treatment regimen includes plasma exchange three times and subcutaneous injection of telitacicept for 46 cycles, with a total period of 48 weeks. The primary endpoint is the time to first recurrence after enrollment. Secondary endpoints are Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score, Opticospinal Impairment Scale (OSIS) score, Hauser Ambulation Index, number of lesions on MRI, and changes in visual evoked potential (VEP), optical coherence tomography (OCT) and immunologic status. All adverse events after medication will be documented and investigated. Discussion: This study will explore the safety and effectiveness of telitacicept following plasma exchange regarding the time to recurrence in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) for the first time. Clinical Trial Registration:Chictr.org.cn, identifier ChiCTR1800019427
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Ding
- Department of Neurology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Cai
- Department of Neurology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ye Deng
- Department of Neurology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xianguo Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Meichun Gao
- Department of Neurology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Lin
- Department of Neurology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Nan Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ze Wang
- Department of Neurology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haojun Yu
- Department of Neurology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenwen Lv
- Clinical Research Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong Hao
- Department of Neurology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yangtai Guan
- Department of Neurology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
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11
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Basta F, Möckel T, Petersohn J, Meineck M, Triantafyllias K, Engel S, Weinmann A, Luessi F, Weinmann-Menke J, Schwarting A. The relationship between BAFF serum levels, anti-NMDAR autoantibodies and fatigue in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and multiple sclerosis. Autoimmun Rev 2021; 20:102802. [PMID: 33727153 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2021.102802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Basta
- Acura Rheumatology Center Rhineland Palatinate, Bad Kreuznach, Germany; University Center of Autoimmunity, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany.
| | - Tamara Möckel
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jan Petersohn
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Myriam Meineck
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Sinah Engel
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Arndt Weinmann
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Felix Luessi
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Julia Weinmann-Menke
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Andreas Schwarting
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany; Acura Rheumatology Center Rhineland Palatinate, Bad Kreuznach, Germany; University Center of Autoimmunity, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany.
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12
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Möckel T, Basta F, Weinmann-Menke J, Schwarting A. B cell activating factor (BAFF): Structure, functions, autoimmunity and clinical implications in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Autoimmun Rev 2020; 20:102736. [PMID: 33333233 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2020.102736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The B cell activating factor (BAFF), or B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS), is a B cell survival factor which supports autoreactive B cells and prevents their deletion. BAFF expression is closely linked with autoimmunity and is enhanced by genetic alterations and viral infections. Furthermore, BAFF seems to be involved in adipogenesis, atherosclerosis, neuro-inflammatory processes and ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury. BAFF is commonly overexpressed in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and strongly involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. The relationship between BAFF levels, disease activity and damage accrual in SLE is controversial, but growing evidence is emerging on its role in renal involvement. Belimumab, a biologic BAFF inhibitor, has been the first biologic agent licensed for SLE therapy so far. As Rituximab (RTX) has been shown to increase BAFF levels following B cell depletion, the combination therapy of RTX plus belimumab (being evaluated in two RCT) seems to be a valuable option for several clinical scenarios. In this review we will highlight the growing body of evidence of immune and non-immune related BAFF expression in experimental and clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Möckel
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany.
| | - Fabio Basta
- Acura Rheumatology Center Rhineland Palatinate, Bad Kreuznach, Germany
| | - Julia Weinmann-Menke
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Nephrology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Andreas Schwarting
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany; Acura Rheumatology Center Rhineland Palatinate, Bad Kreuznach, Germany
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13
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Eslami M, Meinl E, Eibel H, Willen L, Donzé O, Distl O, Schneider H, Speiser DE, Tsiantoulas D, Yalkinoglu Ö, Samy E, Schneider P. BAFF 60-mer, and Differential BAFF 60-mer Dissociating Activities in Human Serum, Cord Blood and Cerebrospinal Fluid. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:577662. [PMID: 33240880 PMCID: PMC7677505 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.577662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
B cell activation factor of the TNF family (BAFF/BLyS), an essential B cell survival factor of which circulating levels are elevated in several autoimmune disorders, is targeted in the clinic for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The soluble form of BAFF can exist as 3-mer, or as 60-mer that results from the ordered assembly of twenty 3-mers and that can be obtained from naturally cleaved membrane-bound BAFF or made as a recombinant protein. However, which forms of soluble BAFF exist and act in humans is unclear. In this study, BAFF 3-mer and 60-mer in biological fluids were characterized for size, activity and response to specific stimulators or inhibitors of BAFF. Human cerebrospinal fluids (CSF) from patients with multiple sclerosis and adult human sera contained exclusively BAFF 3-mer in these assays, also when BAFF concentrations were moderately SLE or highly (BAFFR-deficient individual) increased. Human sera, but not CSF, contained a high molecular weight, saturable activity that dissociated preformed recombinant BAFF 60-mer into 3-mer. This activity was lower in cord blood. Cord blood displayed BAFF levels 10-fold higher than in adults and consistently contained a fair proportion of active high molecular weight BAFF able to dissociate into 3-mer but not endowed with all properties of recombinant BAFF 60-mer. If BAFF 60-mer is produced in humans, it is dissociated, or at least attenuated in the circulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahya Eslami
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Edgar Meinl
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, University Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Hermann Eibel
- Faculty of Medicine, Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Laure Willen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | | | - Ottmar Distl
- Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Holm Schneider
- Department of Pediatrics, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Daniel E Speiser
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Özkan Yalkinoglu
- Clinical Pharmacology, Quantitative Pharmacology, Translational Medicine, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Eileen Samy
- Business of Merck KGaA, EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Inc., Billerica, MA, United States
| | - Pascal Schneider
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
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Mathias LM, Stohl W. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): emerging therapeutic targets. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2020; 24:1283-1302. [PMID: 33034541 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2020.1832464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with a heterogeneous clinical presentation whose etiologies are multifactorial. A myriad of genetic, hormonal, immunologic, and environmental factors contribute to its pathogenesis, and its diverse biological basis and phenotypic presentations make development of therapeutics difficult. In the past decade, tens of therapeutic targets with hundreds of individual candidate therapeutics have been investigated. AREAS COVERED We used a PUBMED database search through April 2020 to review the relevant literature. This review discusses therapeutic targets in the adaptive and innate immune systems, specifically: B cell surface antigens, B cell survival factors, Bruton's tyrosine kinase, costimulators, IL-12/IL-23, the calcineurin pathway, the JAK/STAT pathway, and interferons. EXPERT OPINION Our ever-improving understanding of SLE pathophysiology in the past decade has allowed us to identify new therapeutic targets. Multiple new drugs are on the horizon that target different elements of the adaptive and innate immune systems. SLE research remains challenging due to the heterogenous clinical presentation of SLE, confounding from background immunosuppressives being taken by SLE patients, animal models that inadequately recapitulate human disease, and imperfect and complicated outcome measures. Despite these limitations, research is promising and ongoing. The search for new therapies that target specific elements of SLE pathophysiology are discussed as well as key findings, pitfalls, and questions surrounding these targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M Mathias
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine , Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - William Stohl
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine , Los Angeles, CA, USA
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15
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Morand EF, Isenberg DA, Wallace DJ, Kao AH, Vazquez-Mateo C, Chang P, Pudota K, Aranow C, Merrill JT. Attainment of treat-to-target endpoints in SLE patients with high disease activity in the atacicept phase 2b ADDRESS II study. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2020; 59:2930-2938. [PMID: 32107560 PMCID: PMC7516108 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keaa029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Low disease activity (LDA) and remission are emerging treat-to-target (T2T) endpoints in SLE. However, the rates at which these endpoints are met in patients with high disease activity (HDA) are unknown. Atacicept, which targets B lymphocyte stimulator and a proliferation-inducing ligand, improved disease outcomes in SLE patients with HDA (SLEDAI-2K ≥10) at baseline in the phase 2b ADDRESS II study. This is a post hoc analysis of T2T endpoints in these patients. METHODS Patients received weekly atacicept (75 or 150 mg s.c.) or placebo for 24 weeks (1:1:1 randomization). Attainment of three T2T endpoints, LDA (SLEDAI-2K ≤ 2), Lupus Low Disease Activity State (LLDAS) and remission (clinical SLEDAI-2K = 0, prednisone-equivalent ≤5mg/day and Physician's Global Assessment <0.5), was assessed and compared with SLE Responder Index (SRI)-4 and SRI-6 response. RESULTS Of 306 randomized patients, 158 (51.6%) had baseline HDA. At week 24, 37 (23.4%) HDA patients attained LDA, 25 (15.8%) LLDAS and 17 (10.8%) remission. Each of these endpoints was more stringent than SRI-4 (n = 87; 55.1%) and SRI-6 (n = 67; 42.4%). Compared with placebo (n = 52), at week 24, patients treated with atacicept 150 mg (n = 51) were more likely to attain LDA [odds ratio (OR) 3.82 (95% CI: 1.44, 10.15), P = 0.007], LLDAS [OR 5.03 (95% CI: 1.32, 19.06), P = 0.018] or remission [OR 3.98 (95% CI: 0.78, 20.15), P = 0.095]. CONCLUSION At week 24, LDA, LLDAS and remission were more stringent than SRI-4 and SRI-6 response, were attainable in the HDA population and discriminated between treatment with atacicept 150 mg and placebo. These results suggest that T2T endpoints are robust outcome measures in SLE clinical trials and support further evaluation of atacicept in SLE. TRAIL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, http://clinicaltrials.gov, NCT01972568.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric F Morand
- Centre for Inflammatory Disease, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Daniel J Wallace
- Division of Rheumatology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Amy H Kao
- EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Inc. (A Business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany), Billerica, MA, USA
| | - Cristina Vazquez-Mateo
- EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Inc. (A Business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany), Billerica, MA, USA
| | - Peter Chang
- EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Inc. (A Business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany), Billerica, MA, USA
| | - Kishore Pudota
- EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Inc. (A Business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany), Billerica, MA, USA
| | - Cynthia Aranow
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Joan T Merrill
- Clinical Pharmacology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
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16
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Tandler C, Schmidt M, Heitmann JS, Hierold J, Schmidt J, Schneider P, Dörfel D, Walz J, Salih HR. Neutralization of B-Cell Activating Factor (BAFF) by Belimumab Reinforces Small Molecule Inhibitor Treatment in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12102725. [PMID: 32977449 PMCID: PMC7598196 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common form of leukemia in Western countries. Despite the substantial progress achieved by the recent introduction of the novel small molecule inhibitors idelalisib, ibrutinib and venetoclax in CLL treatment, therapy resistance occurs frequently and the disease so far remains incurable. In the present study we report that BAFF, a member of the TNF protein family, protects CLL cells from treatment-induced cell death. In turn, the therapeutic effects of idelalisib, ibrutinib and venetoclax can be reinforced by neutralizing BAFF with belimumab, an antibody which presently is clinically approved for treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus. Based on the data presented in this study, a clinical study to evaluate whether drug repurposing of belimumab for BAFF neutralization can serve to improve response to small molecule inhibitor treatment in CLL is in preparation. Abstract The introduction of idelalisib, ibrutinib and venetoclax for treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has greatly improved long term survival of patients. However, many patients do not achieve complete remission and suffer from development of resistance upon treatment with these small molecule inhibitors. Here we report that the TNF family member B-cell activating factor (BAFF) mediates resistance of CLL cells to idelalisib, ibrutinib and venetoclax by sustaining survival and preventing apoptosis of the malignant B cells as revealed by analysis of cellular ATP levels and mitochondrial membrane integrity as well as caspase activation, respectively. As BAFF also plays a prominent role in autoimmune diseases, the BAFF-neutralizing antibody belimumab was developed and approved for treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). When we employed belimumab in the context of CLL treatment with idelalisib, ibrutinib and venetoclax, BAFF neutralization was found to significantly increase the sensitivity of the leukemic cells to all three small molecule inhibitors. Notably, BAFF neutralization proved to be beneficial independently of clinical stage according to Binet and Rai or IgVH mutational status. Our results identify drug repurposing of belimumab for neutralization of BAFF to complement small molecule inhibitor treatment as a promising therapeutic approach in CLL that is presently undergoing clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Tandler
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany; (C.T.); (M.S.); (J.S.H.); (J.H.); (J.S.); (D.D.); (J.W.)
| | - Moritz Schmidt
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany; (C.T.); (M.S.); (J.S.H.); (J.H.); (J.S.); (D.D.); (J.W.)
| | - Jonas S. Heitmann
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany; (C.T.); (M.S.); (J.S.H.); (J.H.); (J.S.); (D.D.); (J.W.)
| | - Julia Hierold
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany; (C.T.); (M.S.); (J.S.H.); (J.H.); (J.S.); (D.D.); (J.W.)
| | - Jonas Schmidt
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany; (C.T.); (M.S.); (J.S.H.); (J.H.); (J.S.); (D.D.); (J.W.)
| | - Pascal Schneider
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland;
| | - Daniela Dörfel
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany; (C.T.); (M.S.); (J.S.H.); (J.H.); (J.S.); (D.D.); (J.W.)
| | - Juliane Walz
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany; (C.T.); (M.S.); (J.S.H.); (J.H.); (J.S.); (D.D.); (J.W.)
- DFG Cluster of Excellence 2180 ‘Image-Guided and Functional Instructed Tumor Therapy’ (iFIT), Eberhard Karls University, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Helmut R. Salih
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany; (C.T.); (M.S.); (J.S.H.); (J.H.); (J.S.); (D.D.); (J.W.)
- DFG Cluster of Excellence 2180 ‘Image-Guided and Functional Instructed Tumor Therapy’ (iFIT), Eberhard Karls University, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-7071/29-83275
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17
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Irure-Ventura J, San Segundo D, Rodrigo E, Merino D, Belmar-Vega L, Ruiz San Millán JC, Valero R, Benito A, López-Hoyos M. High Pretransplant BAFF Levels and B-cell Subset Polarized towards a Memory Phenotype as Predictive Biomarkers for Antibody-Mediated Rejection. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21030779. [PMID: 31991734 PMCID: PMC7037386 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21030779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibody-mediated rejection (AbMR) is one of the leading causes of graft loss in kidney transplantation and B cells play an important role in the development of it. A B-cell activating factor (BAFF) is a cytokine involved in B cell ontogeny. Here, we analyzed whether B cell maturation and the effect of B cell soluble factors, such as BAFF could be involved in AbMR. Serum BAFF levels and B and T cell subpopulations were analyzed 109 kidney transplant patients before transplantation and at 6 and 12 months after kidney transplantation. Pretransplant serum BAFF levels as well as memory B cell subpopulations were significantly higher in those patients who suffered clinical AbMR during the first 12 months after kidney transplantation. Similar results were observed in the prospective analysis of patients with subclinical antibody-mediated rejection detected in the surveillance biopsy performed at 12 months after kidney transplantation. A multivariate analysis confirmed the independent role of BAFF in the development of AbMR, irrespective of other classical variables. Pretransplant serum BAFF levels could be an important non-invasive biomarker for the prediction of the development of AbMR and posttransplant increased serum BAFF levels contribute to AbMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Irure-Ventura
- Immunology Department. University Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla-IDIVAL, 39008 Santander, Spain; (J.I.-V.); (D.S.S.)
| | - David San Segundo
- Immunology Department. University Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla-IDIVAL, 39008 Santander, Spain; (J.I.-V.); (D.S.S.)
| | - Emilio Rodrigo
- Nephrology Department. University Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla-IDIVAL, 39008 Santander, Spain, (L.B.-V.); (J.C.R.S.M.); (R.V.)
| | - David Merino
- Health Research Institute-IDIVAL, 39011 Santander, Spain; (D.M.); (A.B.)
| | - Lara Belmar-Vega
- Nephrology Department. University Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla-IDIVAL, 39008 Santander, Spain, (L.B.-V.); (J.C.R.S.M.); (R.V.)
| | - Juan Carlos Ruiz San Millán
- Nephrology Department. University Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla-IDIVAL, 39008 Santander, Spain, (L.B.-V.); (J.C.R.S.M.); (R.V.)
| | - Rosalía Valero
- Nephrology Department. University Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla-IDIVAL, 39008 Santander, Spain, (L.B.-V.); (J.C.R.S.M.); (R.V.)
| | - Adalberto Benito
- Health Research Institute-IDIVAL, 39011 Santander, Spain; (D.M.); (A.B.)
| | - Marcos López-Hoyos
- Immunology Department. University Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla-IDIVAL, 39008 Santander, Spain; (J.I.-V.); (D.S.S.)
- Correspondence: (M.L.-H.); Tel.: +34-942-202520 (ext. 73225)
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18
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Wise LM, Stohl W. The safety of belimumab for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2019; 18:1133-1144. [DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2019.1685978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Leanna M Wise
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - William Stohl
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Mohd Jaya FN, Garcia SG, Borràs FE, Chan GC, Franquesa M. Paradoxical role of Breg-inducing cytokines in autoimmune diseases. J Transl Autoimmun 2019; 2:100011. [PMID: 32743499 PMCID: PMC7388338 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtauto.2019.100011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory B cells (Breg) are crucial immunoregulators that maintain peripheral tolerance and suppress inflammatory autoimmune responses. In recent years, our understanding on the nature and mechanism of action of Bregs has revealed the important role of cytokines in promoting the regulatory properties of this unique B cell subset, both in animal and human models. In this review, we compiled the cytokines that have been reported by multiple studies to induce the expansion of Breg. The Breg-inducing cytokines which are currently known include IL-21, IL-6, IL1β, IFNα, IL-33, IL-35, BAFF and APRIL. As cytokines are also known to play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, in parallel we reviewed the pattern of expression of the Breg-inducing cytokines in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) and Multiple Sclerosis (MS). We show here that Breg-inducing cytokines are commonly implicated in these inflammatory diseases where they typically have a higher expression than in healthy individuals, suggesting their paradoxical nature. Interestingly, despite the general overexpression of Breg-inducing cytokines, it is known that Breg cells are often numerically or functionally impaired in various autoimmune conditions. Considering these alterations, we explored the possible parameters that may influence the function of Breg-inducing cytokines in exhibiting either their regulatory or pro-inflammatory properties in the context of autoimmune conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatin N. Mohd Jaya
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong
- Corresponding author.
| | - Sergio G. Garcia
- REMAR-IVECAT Group, Health Science Research Institute Germans Trias I Pujol, Can Ruti Campus, 08916, Badalona, Spain
| | - Francesc E. Borràs
- REMAR-IVECAT Group, Health Science Research Institute Germans Trias I Pujol, Can Ruti Campus, 08916, Badalona, Spain
| | - Godfrey C.F. Chan
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 21 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong
| | - Marcella Franquesa
- REMAR-IVECAT Group, Health Science Research Institute Germans Trias I Pujol, Can Ruti Campus, 08916, Badalona, Spain
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20
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Vincent FB, Kandane-Rathnayake R, Koelmeyer R, Hoi AY, Harris J, Mackay F, Morand EF. Analysis of serum B cell-activating factor from the tumor necrosis factor family (BAFF) and its soluble receptors in systemic lupus erythematosus. Clin Transl Immunology 2019; 8:e01047. [PMID: 31024730 PMCID: PMC6475618 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To determine the presence and clinical associations of the soluble receptors of B cell-activating factor from the tumor necrosis factor family (BAFF) in serum of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods Serum BAFF and soluble BAFF receptor (sBAFF-R) were quantified using ELISA, and soluble B cell maturation antigen (sBCMA) and transmembrane activator and cyclophilin ligand interactor (sTACI) by Luminex, in 87 SLE patients and 17 healthy controls (HC). Disease activity and organ damage were assessed using SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) and Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) SLE Damage Index (SDI), respectively. Results BAFF and all receptors were detectable in all serum samples. Serum sBCMA and sTACI, but not sBAFF-R, were significantly higher in SLE than in HC. Serum BAFF was also increased in SLE, but this association was attenuated after adjusting for age and ethnicity. Increased serum BAFF was associated with flare and organ damage. Increased serum sBCMA was associated with the presence of anti-dsDNA, but not with overall or organ-specific disease activity, flare or organ damage. Neither sTACI nor sBAFF-R was associated with any SLE clinical parameters in multivariable analysis. While serum BAFF correlated negatively with sBAFF-R in HC, no statistically significant correlations were observed between BAFF and its receptors in SLE patients. Conclusion Serum BAFF was associated with flare and organ damage independent of the presence of its soluble receptors. While sBCMA was associated with anti-dsDNA positivity, other soluble BAFF receptors were not associated with SLE clinical indicators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabien B Vincent
- Rheumatology Research Group Centre for Inflammatory Diseases School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health Monash University Clayton VIC Australia
| | - Rangi Kandane-Rathnayake
- Rheumatology Research Group Centre for Inflammatory Diseases School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health Monash University Clayton VIC Australia
| | - Rachel Koelmeyer
- Rheumatology Research Group Centre for Inflammatory Diseases School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health Monash University Clayton VIC Australia
| | - Alberta Y Hoi
- Rheumatology Research Group Centre for Inflammatory Diseases School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health Monash University Clayton VIC Australia
| | - James Harris
- Rheumatology Research Group Centre for Inflammatory Diseases School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health Monash University Clayton VIC Australia
| | - Fabienne Mackay
- Department of Immunology and Pathology Central Clinical School Alfred Medical Research and Education Precinct (AMREP) Monash University Melbourne VIC Australia.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology School of Biomedical Sciences Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences The University of Melbourne Melbourne VIC Australia
| | - Eric F Morand
- Rheumatology Research Group Centre for Inflammatory Diseases School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health Monash University Clayton VIC Australia
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21
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Merrill JT, Wallace DJ, Wax S, Kao A, Fraser PA, Chang P, Isenberg D. Efficacy and Safety of Atacicept in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Results of a Twenty-Four-Week, Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Arm, Phase IIb Study. Arthritis Rheumatol 2019; 70:266-276. [PMID: 29073347 PMCID: PMC6099253 DOI: 10.1002/art.40360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of atacicept, an antagonist of B lymphocyte stimulator/APRIL–mediated B cell activation, in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods ADDRESS II is a 24‐week, multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐arm, phase IIb study evaluating the safety and efficacy of atacicept in patients with SLE (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01972568). Patients with active, autoantibody‐positive SLE receiving standard therapy were randomized (1:1:1) to receive atacicept (75 mg or 150 mg) or placebo for 24 weeks. The primary end point was the SLE responder index 4 (SRI‐4) at week 24. Results The intent‐to‐treat (ITT) population included 306 patients. There was a trend toward an improved SRI‐4 response rate with atacicept 75 mg (57.8%; adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.78, P = 0.045) and 150 mg (53.8%; adjusted OR 1.56, P = 0.121) at week 24 as compared with placebo (44.0%) (primary analysis; using the screening visit as baseline). In a prespecified sensitivity analysis using study day 1 as baseline, a significantly larger proportion of patients receiving atacicept 75 mg and 150 mg achieved an SRI‐4 response at week 24 compared with placebo. In predefined subpopulations with high levels of disease activity (HDA) at baseline, serologically active disease, or both, statistically significant improvements in the SRI‐4 and SRI‐6 response rates were seen with atacicept versus placebo. A severe risk of disease flare was reduced with atacicept therapy in both the ITT and the HDA populations. The risks of serious adverse events and serious or severe infection were not increased with atacicept as compared with placebo. Conclusion Atacicept treatment showed evidence of efficacy in SLE, particularly in HDA and serologically active patients. Reductions in disease activity and severe flare were observed with atacicept treatment, with an acceptable safety profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan T Merrill
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City
| | - Daniel J Wallace
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Stephen Wax
- Serono Research and Development Institute, Billerica, Massachusetts
| | - Amy Kao
- Serono Research and Development Institute, Billerica, Massachusetts
| | | | - Peter Chang
- Serono Research and Development Institute, Billerica, Massachusetts
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22
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BAFF-R and TACI expression on CD3+ T cells: Interplay among BAFF, APRIL and T helper cytokines profile in systemic lupus erythematosus. Cytokine 2018; 114:115-127. [PMID: 30467093 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2018.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the prototype of systemic autoimmune disease, characterized by loss of immune tolerance against self-antigens where autoantibody production is the hallmark of disease. B-cell-activating factor (BAFF) and A proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) are cytokines that promote autoreactive cell survival, immunoglobulin-class switching and autoantibody responses in human and mouse SLE models. BAFF and APRIL exert their functions through interactions with their receptors BAFF-R and TACI that are differentially expressed in B lymphocyte subsets, monocytes, dendritic cells and T lymphocytes. BAFF stimulation favors T lymphocyte activation and cytokine production through BAFF-R, which could contribute to the Th1, Th17 and/or Th2 response dysregulation observed in SLE patients. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the expression of the cytokines BAFF and APRIL and their association with the receptors BAFF-R and TACI on CD3+ T cells and to evaluate Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokine profile in patients with SLE. METHODS Fifteen healthy controls (HC) and 36 SLE patients were included, and their demographic and clinical data were assessed. The disease activity index (Mex-SLEDAI) and damage index (SLICC) were applied to the SLE patients. BAFF-R and TACI expression on CD3+ T cells were evaluated by flow cytometry. Serum BAFF and APRIL concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Cytokine levels of Th1 (IL-12, IL-2, IFN-γ, TNF-α), Th2 (IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-13) and Th17 (IL-1β e IL-17) were quantified with a multiplex assay (MAGPIX). Statistical analysis was performed using PASW Statistics v.20 and GraphPad Prism v.6 software. RESULTS No differences in BAFF-R or TACI expression on the CD3+ T cells of SLE and HC were observed. BAFF-R expression correlates inversely with disease activity (r = -0.538, p < 0.01), while TACI correlates with disease activity (r = 0.530, p < 0.05). Serum BAFF and APRIL levels were high in SLE patients and correlated with the disease activity index Mex-SLEDAI (r = 0.621, p < 0.01 and r = 0.416, p < 0.05). SLE patients were found to have significantly higher levels of IL-12, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, IL-13, IL-1β and IL-17 compared to HC (p < 0.05). Cytokines IL-17 (r = 0.526) and TNF-α (r = 0.410) correlate with disease activity (p < 0.05), while APRIL (r = 0.477), IL-10 (r = 0.426) and IFN-γ (r = 0.440) levels were associated with organ damage (p < 0.01). Serum BAFF expression levels correlate with IL-4 (r = 0.424; p < 0.05), IL-6 (r = 0.420; p < 0.05) and IL-10 (r = 0.459; p < 0.01), whereas APRIL levels correlate with IL-2 (r = 0.666; p < 0.01), IL-12 (r = 0.611; p < 0.01) and TNF-α (r = 0.471; p < 0.05) cytokines. A subgroup of SLE patients with high serum BAFF levels (>2 ng/mL) also showed increased APRIL, IL-2, IL-6 and IL-10 levels (p < 0.05). Finally, BAFF, IL-4 and TNF-α serum levels were associated with high titers of antinuclear antibodies. CONCLUSIONS The study demonstrates an imbalance in the Th1/Th2 cytokine profile, with increased proinflammatory cytokines, as well as BAFF and APRIL serum levels. Associations of BAFF with Th2 profile cytokines and disease activity, as well as APRIL with Th1 profile cytokines and organ damage, suggest that BAFF and APRIL generated in the autoimmunity context could through still unknown mechanisms, modulate the microenvironment, and perpetuate the inflammatory response, autoantibody production and organ damage observed in SLE patients.
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23
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Kryštůfková O, Hulejová H, Mann HF, Pecha O, Půtová I, Ekholm L, Lundberg IE, Vencovský J. Serum levels of B-cell activating factor of the TNF family (BAFF) correlate with anti-Jo-1 autoantibodies levels and disease activity in patients with anti-Jo-1positive polymyositis and dermatomyositis. Arthritis Res Ther 2018; 20:158. [PMID: 30053824 PMCID: PMC6062864 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-018-1650-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND B-cell activating factor of the tumour necrosis factor family (BAFF) plays a role in autoantibody production and is elevated in dermatomyositis (DM) and anti-Jo-1-positive polymyositis (PM). We investigated the inter-relationships between serum levels of BAFF, anti-Jo-1 autoantibodies, and disease activity. METHODS Serum levels of BAFF and anti-Jo-1 antibodies measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were compared to levels of myoglobin, creatine kinase (CK), aminotransferases (alanine (ALT) and aspartate (AST)), C-reactive protein (CRP), and disease activity assessed by the Myositis Disease Activity Assessment Tool in 63 anti-Jo-1 antibody-positive DM/PM patients. Serial serum samples collected at 2 (46 cases) and 3-5 time points (23 cases) were included. Relationships between BAFF, anti-Jo-1, disease activity, CRP, and their longitudinal changes were evaluated using correlation analysis, multiple regression (MR), path analysis (PA), and hierarchical linear models (HLM). RESULTS Cross-sectional assessment demonstrated significant correlations between the levels of BAFF and anti-Jo-1 antibodies which were associated with levels of CK, myoglobin, AST, and CRP, as well as multivariate associations between BAFF, anti-Jo-1 antibodies, and CK levels. PA revealed direct effects of anti-Jo-1 antibodies on CK (β = 0.41) and both direct (β = 0.42) and indirect (through anti-Jo-1 antibodies; β = 0.17) effects of BAFF on CK. Changes in levels of both BAFF and anti-Jo-1 between two time points (Δ) were associated with Δmyoglobin and Δaminotransferases and changes of BAFF correlated with ΔCK, Δcutaneous, Δmuscle, Δglobal, and Δskeletal disease activities. The longitudinal analysis showed a high intra-individual variability of serum levels of BAFF over time (97%) which could predict 79% of the variance in anti-Jo-1 levels. The anti-Jo-1 variability was explained by inter-individual differences (68%). The close longitudinal relationship between levels of BAFF, anti-Jo-1, and disease activity was supported by high proportions of their variance explained with serum levels of CK and CRP or pulmonary and muscle activities. CONCLUSION Our findings of associations between levels of BAFF and anti-Jo-1 antibodies in serum and myositis activity suggest a role of this cytokine in disease-specific autoantibody production as part of disease mechanisms, and support BAFF as a potential target for intervention in anti-Jo-1-positive myositis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Kryštůfková
- Institute of Rheumatology, Prague, Czech Republic. .,Department of Rheumatology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | | | - Heřman F Mann
- Institute of Rheumatology, Prague, Czech Republic.,Department of Rheumatology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Ivana Půtová
- Institute of Rheumatology, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Louise Ekholm
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ingrid E Lundberg
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jiří Vencovský
- Institute of Rheumatology, Prague, Czech Republic.,Department of Rheumatology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
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24
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Samy E, Wax S, Huard B, Hess H, Schneider P. Targeting BAFF and APRIL in systemic lupus erythematosus and other antibody-associated diseases. Int Rev Immunol 2017; 36:3-19. [PMID: 28215100 DOI: 10.1080/08830185.2016.1276903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The B cell-stimulating molecules, BAFF (B cell activating factor) and APRIL (a proliferation-inducing ligand), are critical factors in the maintenance of the B cell pool and humoral immunity. In addition, BAFF and APRIL are involved in the pathogenesis of a number of human autoimmune diseases, with elevated levels of these cytokines detected in the sera of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), IgA nephropathy, Sjögren's syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis. As such, both molecules are rational targets for new therapies in B cell-driven autoimmune diseases, and several inhibitors of BAFF or BAFF and APRIL together have been investigated in clinical trials. These include the BAFF/APRIL dual inhibitor, atacicept, and the BAFF inhibitor, belimumab, which is approved as an add-on therapy for patients with active SLE. Post hoc analyses of these trials indicate that baseline serum levels of BAFF and BAFF/APRIL correlate with treatment response to belimumab and atacicept, respectively, suggesting a role for the two molecules as predictive biomarkers. It will, however, be important to refine future testing to identify active forms of BAFF and APRIL in the circulation, as well as to distinguish between homotrimer and heteromer configurations. In this review, we discuss the rationale for dual BAFF/APRIL inhibition versus single BAFF inhibition in autoimmune disease, by focusing on the similarities and differences between the physiological and pathogenic roles of the two molecules. A summary of the preclinical and clinical data currently available is also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen Samy
- a EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Inc. , Billerica , Massachusetts , USA
| | - Stephen Wax
- a EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Inc. , Billerica , Massachusetts , USA
| | - Bertrand Huard
- b Institute for Advanced Biosciences , University Grenoble Alpes , INSERM U1209, Grenoble , France
| | | | - Pascal Schneider
- d Department of Biochemistry , University of Lausanne , Lausanne , Switzerland
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25
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Tran NL, Schneider P, Santiago-Raber ML. TACI-dependent APRIL signaling maintains autoreactive B cells in a mouse model of systemic lupus erythematosus. Eur J Immunol 2017; 47:713-723. [DOI: 10.1002/eji.201646630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Revised: 01/16/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ngoc Lan Tran
- Department of Pathology and Immunology; Faculty of Medicine; University of Geneva; Geneva Switzerland
| | - Pascal Schneider
- Department of Biochemistry; University of Lausanne; Epalinges Switzerland
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26
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Stohl W. Inhibition of B cell activating factor (BAFF) in the management of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2017; 13:623-633. [DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2017.1291343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- William Stohl
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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27
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Stohl W. The Future of B-cell Activating Factor Antagonists in the Treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. JOURNAL OF RHEUMATIC DISEASES 2017. [DOI: 10.4078/jrd.2017.24.2.65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- William Stohl
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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28
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Gordon C, Wofsy D, Wax S, Li Y, Pena Rossi C, Isenberg D. Post Hoc Analysis of the Phase II/III APRIL-SLE Study: Association Between Response to Atacicept and Serum Biomarkers Including BLyS and APRIL. Arthritis Rheumatol 2016; 69:122-130. [PMID: 27390168 PMCID: PMC6681010 DOI: 10.1002/art.39809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Accepted: 06/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Objective To assess the relationship between treatment response, baseline biomarker levels, and atacicept exposure in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in the phase II/III APRIL‐SLE study. Methods We performed a post hoc analysis of patients who received placebo, atacicept 75 mg, or atacicept 150 mg in a randomized, controlled, 52‐week trial. Serum levels of BlyS and APRIL were measured at baseline, and serum levels of Ig and the numbers of naive B cells and plasma cells were measured at baseline and during treatment. Atacicept exposure was determined by assessment of the serum trough concentrations throughout the 52‐week trial period. Associations between these parameters, treatment response (reduction in British Isles Lupus Assessment Group A or B flare), and infection rates were explored. Results Recurrent high baseline levels of both BLyS (≥1.6 ng/ml) and APRIL (≥2.2 ng/ml) correlated with a greater treatment response (flare rate 75.7% with placebo, and 50.0% and 32.0% with atacicept 75 mg and atacicept 150 mg, respectively) compared with lower baseline levels of both. Increased atacicept exposure correlated with reduced flare rates (60.5% with placebo; 63.4%, 61.0%, 48.8%, and 29.3% in the 4 quartiles, from lowest to highest atacicept exposure). Greater pharmacodynamic responses (reduced Ig levels and naive B cell and plasma cell numbers) were associated with greater reductions in the flare rate. Infection rates were similar regardless of biomarker levels at baseline or at the time of atacicept exposure. Conclusion These post hoc analyses demonstrate a dose‐response relationship between atacicept concentrations, reduced Ig levels, and reduced flare rates and suggest that baseline biomarkers such as elevated serum levels of BLyS and APRIL may help to identify the patients who are most likely to benefit from atacicept treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yong Li
- EMD Serono, Rockland, Massachusetts
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29
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López P, Rodríguez-Carrio J, Caminal-Montero L, Mozo L, Suárez A. A pathogenic IFNα, BLyS and IL-17 axis in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus patients. Sci Rep 2016; 6:20651. [PMID: 26847824 PMCID: PMC4742957 DOI: 10.1038/srep20651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aims to analyze in depth the role of IFNα in the upregulation of BLyS in different leukocyte populations and the possible relationship of these molecules with IL-17 and other pathogenic cytokines in SLE. Thus, IFNAR1 and membrane BLyS (mBLyS) expression was upregulated on various blood cell types from patients and closely correlated in all individuals. Moreover, BLyS serum levels associated positively with IFNα and IL-17A amounts, as well as with mBLyS on B cells and neutrophils. Interestingly, mBLyS on neutrophils was also correlated with IL-17A levels. Additionally, intracellular IL-17A expression was increased in both CD4+ lymphocytes and neutrophils from patients, and IL-17+CD4+ T cell frequency was associated with serum IFNα and IFNRA1 expression on B cells. Finally, in vitro assays support an IFNα role in the activation of Th17 cells in SLE. In conclusion, these data suggest that IFNα, BLyS and IL-17 could form a pathological axis in SLE, involving T and B lymphocytes, monocytes, DCs and neutrophils, which act in a vicious circle that encourage the preexisting inflammation and propagate the disease process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia López
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology Area, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, 33006, Spain
| | - Javier Rodríguez-Carrio
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology Area, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, 33006, Spain
| | - Luis Caminal-Montero
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, 33011, Spain
| | - Lourdes Mozo
- Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, 33011, Spain
| | - Ana Suárez
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology Area, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, 33006, Spain
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30
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B cells biology in systemic lupus erythematosus—from bench to bedside. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2015; 58:1111-25. [DOI: 10.1007/s11427-015-4953-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2015] [Accepted: 10/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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31
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Furer V, Zisman D, Pokroy-Shapira E, Molad Y, Elkayam O, Paran D. Systemic lupus erythematosus exacerbation following cessation of belimumab treatment. Scand J Rheumatol 2015; 45:103-6. [PMID: 26515057 DOI: 10.3109/03009742.2015.1074277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Belimumab has recently been approved for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) refractory to standard therapy. Following one case of an SLE flare after cessation of belimumab, we hypothesized that this might lead to a rebound phenomenon and possible exacerbation of SLE. METHOD Members of the Israeli Society of Rheumatology were contacted by e-mail and asked to report cases of an SLE flare following cessation of belimumab treatment. RESULTS Three cases of SLE patients who experienced a severe SLE flare following cessation of belimumab therapy were reported. In all cases, belimumab was given as treatment for active mucocutaneous manifestations and/or polyarthritis with improvement in all three patients, one of whom achieved disease remission. In all three cases, patients experienced a severe flare in previously uninvolved major organ systems, including one case of class IV lupus nephritis accompanied by a new-onset severe headache with elevated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein and white matter lesions on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), one case of severe pneumonitis and haemolytic anaemia, and one case of a systemic flare, fatigue, arthritis, and severe abdominal pain. CONCLUSIONS Belimumab therapy has been shown to be beneficial in the management of active SLE, mostly in patients with mucocutaneous and musculoskeletal manifestations. We suggest a possible rebound effect following cessation of belimumab that could be due to an increase in B-cell activating factor (BAFF) levels and lead to a disease flare. Future assessment of BAFF levels in patients stopping belimumab therapy and clinical correlation may support this hypothesis. Further studies are needed to confirm this observation.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Furer
- a Department of Rheumatology , Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Centre , Tel Aviv , Israel
| | - D Zisman
- b Rheumatology Unit, Carmel Medical Centre, Rappoport Faculty of Medicine , Technion , Haifa , Israel
| | - E Pokroy-Shapira
- c Rheumatology Unit, Rabin Medical Centre , Beilinson Hospital , Petach Tikva , Israel
| | - Y Molad
- c Rheumatology Unit, Rabin Medical Centre , Beilinson Hospital , Petach Tikva , Israel.,d Sackler Faculty of Medicine , Tel Aviv University , Tel Aviv , Israel
| | - O Elkayam
- a Department of Rheumatology , Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Centre , Tel Aviv , Israel.,d Sackler Faculty of Medicine , Tel Aviv University , Tel Aviv , Israel
| | - D Paran
- a Department of Rheumatology , Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Centre , Tel Aviv , Israel.,d Sackler Faculty of Medicine , Tel Aviv University , Tel Aviv , Israel
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Morais SA, Vilas-Boas A, Isenberg DA. B-cell survival factors in autoimmune rheumatic disorders. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis 2015; 7:122-51. [PMID: 26288664 PMCID: PMC4530383 DOI: 10.1177/1759720x15586782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune rheumatic disorders have complex etiopathogenetic mechanisms in which B cells play a central role. The importance of factors stimulating B cells, notably the B-cell activating factor (BAFF) and A proliferation inducing ligand (APRIL) axis is now recognized. BAFF and APRIL are cytokines essential for B-cell proliferation and survival from the immature stages to the development of plasma cells. Their levels are increased in some subsets of patients with autoimmune disorders. Several recent biologic drugs have been developed to block this axis, namely belimumab [already licensed for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) treatment], tabalumab, atacicept and blisibimod. Many clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of these drugs in several autoimmune disorders are ongoing, or have been completed recently. This review updates the information on the use of biologic agents blocking BAFF/APRIL for patients with SLE, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome and myositis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra A Morais
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Pedro Hispano, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Andreia Vilas-Boas
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Pedro Hispano, Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - David A Isenberg
- Centre for Rheumatology, University College London, Room 424, 4th Floor Rayne Building, 5 University Street, London WC1E 6JF, UK
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López P, Scheel-Toellner D, Rodríguez-Carrio J, Caminal-Montero L, Gordon C, Suárez A. Interferon-α-induced B-lymphocyte stimulator expression and mobilization in healthy and systemic lupus erthymatosus monocytes. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2014; 53:2249-58. [PMID: 24942493 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keu249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the cellular populations and regulatory factors responsible for B-lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) overexpression in SLE patients. METHODS Surface and intracellular BLyS levels were quantified by flow cytometry in healthy and SLE monocytes cultured in the presence of TNF-α, IFN-α, IFN-γ, GM-CSF and SLE immune complexes (SLE-ICs), while soluble BLyS was measured by ELISA. Also, both surface and intracellular BLyS expression by different cell subsets was determined in 23 SLE patients and 16 healthy controls. Disease activity was assessed using classic BILAG index. RESULTS In vitro experiments using healthy monocytes showed that IFN-α and SLE-ICs induced a progressive increase in surface-bound BLyS with respect to the intracellular stores. IFN-α-treated SLE monocytes, especially from patients with high anti-dsDNA levels or disease activity, exhibited higher intracellular levels of BLyS that was mobilized to the membrane more rapidly and subsequently released. Furthermore, ex vivo analysis of SLE patients revealed up-regulated BLyS expression in B cells, myeloid and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (DCs), whereas active patients had an increased surface:intracellular BLyS ratio in monocytes and myeloid DCs. CONCLUSION Monocyte BLyS induction and mobilization from intra- to extracellular compartments seems to be influenced by IFN-α and disease activity or anti-dsDNA levels. Accordingly, monocytes and myeloid DCs from active patients presented the highest membrane-bound:intracellular BLyS ratio. In addition, expression levels in several blood cells support the existence of generalized immune stimulation in SLE patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia López
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology Area, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain, Rheumatology Research Group, MRC Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Biomedical Research, School of Immunity and Infection, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK and Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain. Department of Functional Biology, Immunology Area, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain, Rheumatology Research Group, MRC Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Biomedical Research, School of Immunity and Infection, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK and Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain.
| | - Dagmar Scheel-Toellner
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology Area, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain, Rheumatology Research Group, MRC Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Biomedical Research, School of Immunity and Infection, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK and Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Javier Rodríguez-Carrio
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology Area, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain, Rheumatology Research Group, MRC Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Biomedical Research, School of Immunity and Infection, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK and Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Luis Caminal-Montero
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology Area, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain, Rheumatology Research Group, MRC Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Biomedical Research, School of Immunity and Infection, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK and Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Caroline Gordon
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology Area, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain, Rheumatology Research Group, MRC Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Biomedical Research, School of Immunity and Infection, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK and Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Ana Suárez
- Department of Functional Biology, Immunology Area, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain, Rheumatology Research Group, MRC Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Biomedical Research, School of Immunity and Infection, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK and Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
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McCarthy EM, Smith S, Lee RZ, Cunnane G, Doran MF, Donnelly S, Howard D, O'Connell P, Kearns G, Ní Gabhann J, Jefferies CA. The association of cytokines with disease activity and damage scores in systemic lupus erythematosus patients. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2014; 53:1586-94. [PMID: 24706988 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/ket428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to explore the role of cytokines in the pathogenesis of SLE in a genetically homogeneous Caucasian SLE patient population. METHODS Serum levels of the following cytokines were determined by ELISA in SLE patients (diagnosed as per ACR diagnostic criteria): IL-1β, IL-10, IL-12p70 and TNF-α. Demographic data, disease activity as per the SLEDAI and damage scores (SLICC) at the 5-year follow-up were calculated. RESULTS Enhanced production of TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-10 were observed in SLE patients compared with controls. A strong positive correlation was seen between levels of IL-12p70 and IL-10. In addition, IL-10, TNF-α and IL-1 demonstrated a significant relationship with disease activity. Interestingly, elevated levels of IL-10 were observed in SLE patients with CNS involvement while patients with elevated levels of TNF-α were more likely to have renal involvement and sustain damage over the follow-up period. Additionally, the ratio of all cytokines assayed to IL-12p70 levels were significantly higher in SLE patients when compared with controls, with an association seen between damage accrual and the IL-1β/IL-12p70 ratio (r = 0.431, P = 0.003), IL-10/IL-12p70 ratio (r = 0.351, P = 0.018) and TNF-α/IL-12p70 ratio (r = 0.33, P = 0.028). When the respective ratios were analysed for organ-specific disease, significant differences were observed for the IL-1β/IL-12p70 ratio (0.79 vs 0.47, P = 0.036), IL-10/IL-12p70 ratio (4.29 vs 1.87, P = 0.018) and TNF-α/IL-12p70 ratio (7.49 vs 5.21, P = 0.018) with respect to renal involvement. CONCLUSION Increased levels of a number of immunomodulatory cytokines relative to IL-12p70 in this Caucasian SLE patient population are seen in patients with renal involvement and are associated with increased accrual of damage at the 5-year follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eoghan M McCarthy
- Department of Rheumatology, Beaumont Hospital, Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Department of Rheumatology, St James Hospital and Department of Rheumatology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.Department of Rheumatology, Beaumont Hospital, Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Department of Rheumatology, St James Hospital and Department of Rheumatology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Siobhán Smith
- Department of Rheumatology, Beaumont Hospital, Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Department of Rheumatology, St James Hospital and Department of Rheumatology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ruth Z Lee
- Department of Rheumatology, Beaumont Hospital, Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Department of Rheumatology, St James Hospital and Department of Rheumatology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Gaye Cunnane
- Department of Rheumatology, Beaumont Hospital, Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Department of Rheumatology, St James Hospital and Department of Rheumatology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Michele F Doran
- Department of Rheumatology, Beaumont Hospital, Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Department of Rheumatology, St James Hospital and Department of Rheumatology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Suzanne Donnelly
- Department of Rheumatology, Beaumont Hospital, Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Department of Rheumatology, St James Hospital and Department of Rheumatology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Donough Howard
- Department of Rheumatology, Beaumont Hospital, Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Department of Rheumatology, St James Hospital and Department of Rheumatology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Paul O'Connell
- Department of Rheumatology, Beaumont Hospital, Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Department of Rheumatology, St James Hospital and Department of Rheumatology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Grainne Kearns
- Department of Rheumatology, Beaumont Hospital, Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Department of Rheumatology, St James Hospital and Department of Rheumatology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Joan Ní Gabhann
- Department of Rheumatology, Beaumont Hospital, Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Department of Rheumatology, St James Hospital and Department of Rheumatology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Caroline A Jefferies
- Department of Rheumatology, Beaumont Hospital, Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Department of Rheumatology, St James Hospital and Department of Rheumatology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
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Stohl W. Therapeutic targeting of the BAFF/APRIL axis in systemic lupus erythematosus. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2014; 18:473-89. [DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2014.888415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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BENGTSSON ANDERSA. Belimumab in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus — What Can Be Learned from Longterm Observational Studies? J Rheumatol 2014; 41:192-3. [DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.131378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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