51
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Alivernini S, Tolusso B, Fedele AL, Di Mario C, Ferraccioli G, Gremese E. The B side of rheumatoid arthritis pathogenesis. Pharmacol Res 2019; 149:104465. [PMID: 31574298 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.104465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
In the last years, a dramatic amount of research has been performedincreasing the knowledge about the biological mechanism underpinning Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) inflammation, putting B lymphocytes in the center of RA pathogenesis. Nowadays, B cell phenotypes and autoantibodies positivity arose as important biomarkers in early and long-standing disease. Moreover, comparative analysis of peripheral blood and synovial tissue compartments enables the identification of novel physiopathological mechanisms promoting inflammation. In this narrative review we will discuss the biological relevance of B cell derived autoimmunity and in RA course, from disease onset to remission achievement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Alivernini
- Division of Rheumatology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli - IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Institute of Rheumatology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Tolusso
- Division of Rheumatology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli - IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Laura Fedele
- Division of Rheumatology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli - IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Clara Di Mario
- Institute of Rheumatology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Elisa Gremese
- Division of Rheumatology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli - IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Institute of Rheumatology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.
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Díaz-Torné C, Ortiz MÀ, Sarmiento M, Díaz-López C, Corominas H, Casademont J, Vidal S. Rituximab levels are associated with the B cell homeostasis but not with the clinical response in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Eur J Rheumatol 2019; 6:81-84. [PMID: 31365341 PMCID: PMC6467324 DOI: 10.5152/eurjrheum.2019.18109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To study the levels of rituximab (RTX) and anti-RTX antibodies (ARAs) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) at 30, 90, and 180 days after the first infusion, in relation to clinical and serological parameters and B cell homeostasis. Methods Thirty-four patients with RA who failed to respond to anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy received RTX. At baseline, 4, 12, and 24 weeks after the first infusion of RTX, we performed a clinical assessment and determined the levels of RTX, ARAs, B cells, rheumatoid factors, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies, immunoglobulins, and complements. Results RTX levels varied widely among patients. No ARAs were detected during the follow-up. Patients with lower levels of RTX presented with higher decreases in erythrocyte sedimentation rate, immunoglobulins, and complement 6 months after the first infusion. Patients with higher levels of RTX showed a higher B cell depletion at 90 days but an earlier B cell recovery than those with lower levels of RTX. No differences in clinical response were observed between the two groups at 6 months after starting the treatment. Conclusion Our findings suggest that RTX levels in the serum of patients with RA are related to B cell homeostasis and the severity of immunological parameters but not to the clinical response at 6 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cèsar Díaz-Torné
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Àngels Ortiz
- Department of Immunology, IIB-Institut de Recerca de l'Hospital de Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mónica Sarmiento
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Rheumatology, Colmédica, Bogota, Spain
| | - César Díaz-López
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Hèctor Corominas
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Casademont
- Departament of Internal Medicine, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau. Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia Vidal
- Department of Immunology, IIB-Institut de Recerca de l'Hospital de Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
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53
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Pollastro S, Klarenbeek PL, Doorenspleet ME, van Schaik BDC, Esveldt REE, Thurlings RM, Boumans MJH, Gerlag DM, Tak PP, Vos K, Baas F, van Kampen AHC, de Vries N. Non-response to rituximab therapy in rheumatoid arthritis is associated with incomplete disruption of the B cell receptor repertoire. Ann Rheum Dis 2019; 78:1339-1345. [PMID: 31217169 PMCID: PMC6788876 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2018-214898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To gain more insight into the dynamics of lymphocyte depletion and develop new predictors of clinical response to rituximab in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS RNA-based next-generation sequencing was used to analyse the B cell receptor (BCR) repertoire in peripheral blood and synovial tissue samples collected from 24 seropositive patients with RA treated with rituximab. Clonal expansion, mutation load and clonal overlap were assessed in samples collected before, at week 4 and at week 16 or 24 after treatment and correlated to the patients' clinical response. RESULTS After 4 weeks of rituximab-induced B cell depletion, the peripheral blood BCR repertoire of treated patients consisted of fewer, more dominant and more mutated BCR clones. No significant changes in the synovial tissue BCR repertoire were detected until week 16 post-treatment, when a reduced clonal overlap with baseline and an increased mutation load were observed. In patients who were non-responders at month 3 (n=5) using the European League Against Rheumatism response criteria, peripheral blood samples taken at week 4 after rituximab treatment showed more dominant clones compared with moderate responders (n=9) (median (IQR): 36 (27-52) vs 18 (16-26); p<0.01) and more clonal overlap with the baseline (median (IQR): 5% (2%-20%) vs 0% (0%-0%); p≤0.01). CONCLUSION Significant changes in BCR clonality are observed in peripheral blood of patients 4 weeks after rituximab treatment, while changes in synovial tissue were observed at later time points. Incomplete depletion of the dominant baseline peripheral blood BCR repertoire in the first month of treatment might predict clinical non-response at 3 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Pollastro
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center (ARC)
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Amsterdam UMC, location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Experimental Immunology
- Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute, Amsterdam UMC, location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Paul L Klarenbeek
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center (ARC)
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Amsterdam UMC, location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marieke E Doorenspleet
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center (ARC)
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Amsterdam UMC, location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Barbera D C van Schaik
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rebecca E E Esveldt
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center (ARC)
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Amsterdam UMC, location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rogier M Thurlings
- Department of Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Maria J H Boumans
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center (ARC)
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Amsterdam UMC, location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Danielle M Gerlag
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center (ARC)
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Amsterdam UMC, location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Clinical Unit Cambridge, GlaxoSmithKline, Cambridge, UK
| | - Paul P Tak
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center (ARC)
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Amsterdam UMC, location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Medicine, Cambridge University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Flagship Pioneering, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Koen Vos
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center (ARC)
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Amsterdam UMC, location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Frank Baas
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center (ARC)
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Amsterdam UMC, location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Laboratory for Diagnostic Genome Analysis, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Antoine H C van Kampen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Niek de Vries
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center (ARC)
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Amsterdam UMC, location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands .,Department of Experimental Immunology
- Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute, Amsterdam UMC, location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Hu Y, Wang B, Shen J, Low SA, Putt KS, Niessen HWM, Matteson EL, Murphy L, Ruppert C, Jansen G, Oliver SJ, Feng Y, Dimitrov DS, Nickerson-Nutter C, Low PS. Depletion of activated macrophages with a folate receptor-beta-specific antibody improves symptoms in mouse models of rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Res Ther 2019; 21:143. [PMID: 31174578 PMCID: PMC6555977 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-019-1912-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Most therapies for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases either neutralize or suppress production of inflammatory cytokines produced by activated macrophages (e.g., TNFα, IL-1, IL-6, IL-17, GM-CSF). However, no approved therapies directly target this activated subset of macrophages. Methods First, we undertook to examine whether the folate receptor beta (FR-β) positive subpopulation of macrophages, which marks the inflammatory subset in animal models of rheumatoid arthritis, might constitute the prominent population of macrophages in inflamed lesions in humans. Next, we utilized anti-FR-β monoclonal antibodies capable of mediating antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity (ADCC) to treat animal models of rheumatoid arthritis and peritonitis. Results Human tissue samples of rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, nonspecific interstitial pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriasis, and scleroderma are all characterized by dramatic accumulation of macrophages that express FR-β, a protein not expressed on resting macrophages or any other healthy tissues. A monoclonal antibody to FR-β accumulates specifically in inflamed lesions of murine inflammatory disease models and successfully treats such models of rheumatoid arthritis and peritonitis. More importantly, elimination of FR-β-positive macrophages upon treatment with an anti-FR-β monoclonal antibody promotes the departure of other immune cells, including T cells, B cells, neutrophils, and dendritic cells from the inflamed lesions. Conclusions These data suggest that specific elimination of FR-β-expressing macrophages may constitute a highly specific therapy for multiple autoimmune and inflammatory diseases and that a recently developed human anti-human FR-β monoclonal antibody (m909) might contribute to suppression of this subpopulation of macrophages. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13075-019-1912-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingwen Hu
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, 560 Oval Drive, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Bingbing Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, 560 Oval Drive, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Jiayin Shen
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, 560 Oval Drive, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Stewart A Low
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, 560 Oval Drive, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Karson S Putt
- Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Hans W M Niessen
- Department of Pathology and Cardiac Surgery, ACS, Amsterdam UMC, location VUMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eric L Matteson
- Division of Rheumatology, and Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Linda Murphy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Clemens Ruppert
- Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Department of Internal Medicine, Biomedizinisches Forschungszentrum Seltersberg, Giessen, Germany
| | - Gerrit Jansen
- Department of Rheumatology, Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Stephen J Oliver
- Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yang Feng
- Protein Interactions Section, Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Cancer and Inflammation Program, Center for Cancer, National Cancer Institute-Frederick, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Dimiter S Dimitrov
- Center for Antibody Therapeutics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15216, USA
| | | | - Philip S Low
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, 560 Oval Drive, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA. .,Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
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Teng YKO, Bruce IN, Diamond B, Furie RA, van Vollenhoven RF, Gordon D, Groark J, Henderson RB, Oldham M, Tak PP. Phase III, multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 104-week study of subcutaneous belimumab administered in combination with rituximab in adults with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): BLISS-BELIEVE study protocol. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e025687. [PMID: 30898822 PMCID: PMC6475247 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-025687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Belimumab, an anti-B-lymphocyte-stimulator antibody, is approved for the treatment of active, autoantibody-positive systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Rituximab, a B cell-depleting anti-CD20 antibody, remains in the SLE treatment armamentarium despite failed trials in lupus nephritis and extrarenal lupus. These biologics, which operate through complementary mechanisms, might result in an enhanced depletion of circulating and tissue-resident autoreactive B lymphocytes when administered together. Thus, belimumab and rituximab combination may be a highly effective treatment of SLE. This study aims to evaluate and compare the efficacy, safety and tolerability of subcutaneous (SC) belimumab and a single cycle of rituximab in patients with SLE with belimumab alone. METHODS AND ANALYSIS BLISS-BELIEVE is a three-arm, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 104-week superiority study. Two hundred adults with SLE will be randomised 1:2:1 to arm A, belimumab SC 200 mg/week for 52 weeks plus placebo at weeks 4 and 6; arm B, belimumab SC 200 mg/week for 52 weeks plus rituximab 1000 mg at weeks 4 and 6; arm C, belimumab SC 200 mg/week plus standard of care for 104 weeks. The 52-week treatment period (arms A and B) is followed by a 52-week observational phase. The primary efficacy endpoint is the proportion of patients with disease control (SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI)-2K≤2, without immunosuppressants and with a prednisone-equivalent dose of ≤5 mg/day) at week 52. Major secondary efficacy endpoints are the proportion of patients in clinical remission (defined as SLEDAI-2K=0, without immunosuppressants and corticosteroids) at week 64, and the proportion of patients with disease control at week 104. Safety endpoints include the incidence of adverse events (AEs), serious AEs and AEs of special interest. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Within 6 months of the study's primary manuscript publication, anonymised individual participant data and study documents can be requested for further research from www.clinicalstudydatarequest.com. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03312907; Pre-results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y K Onno Teng
- Department of Nephrology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ian N Bruce
- Division of Musculoskeletal & Dermatological Sciences, Arthritis Research UK Centre for Epidemiology, The University of Manchester and NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Betty Diamond
- Autoimmune, Musculoskeletal and Hematopoietic Diseases, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, USA
| | - Richard A Furie
- Division of Rheumatology, Northwell Health, Great Neck, New York, USA
| | | | - David Gordon
- GlaxoSmithKline, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - James Groark
- GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Mary Oldham
- GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Paul P Tak
- GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, UK
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56
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Ouboussad L, Burska AN, Melville A, Buch MH. Synovial Tissue Heterogeneity in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Changes With Biologic and Targeted Synthetic Therapies to Inform Stratified Therapy. Front Med (Lausanne) 2019; 6:45. [PMID: 30941350 PMCID: PMC6433846 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2019.00045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been transformed with the introduction of biologic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARD) and more recently, targeted synthetic DMARD (tsDMARD) therapies in the form of janus-kinase inhibitors. Nevertheless, response to these agents varies such that a trial and error approach is adopted; leading to poor patient quality of life, and long-term outcomes. There is thus an urgent need to identify effective biomarkers to guide treatment selection. A wealth of research has been invested in this field but with minimal progress. Increasingly recognized is the importance of evaluating synovial tissue, the primary site of RA, as opposed to peripheral blood-based investigation. In this mini-review, we summarize the literature supporting synovial tissue heterogeneity, the conceptual basis for stratified therapy. This includes recognition of distinct synovial pathobiological subtypes and associated molecular pathways. We also review synovial tissue studies that have been conducted to evaluate the effect of individual bDMARD and tsDMARD on the cellular and molecular characteristics, with a view to identifying tissue predictors of response. Initial observations are being brought into the clinical trial landscape with stratified biopsy trials to validate toward implementation. Furthermore, development of tissue based omics technology holds still more promise in advancing our understanding of disease processes and guiding future drug selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lylia Ouboussad
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Agata N. Burska
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Melville
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Maya H. Buch
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
- NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, United Kingdom
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57
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Coras R, Narasimhan R, Guma M. Liquid biopsies to guide therapeutic decisions in rheumatoid arthritis. Transl Res 2018; 201:1-12. [PMID: 30092207 PMCID: PMC6309446 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2018.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2018] [Revised: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic, immune-mediated inflammatory disease that has transitioned from a debilitating disease to a chronic, controllable disease. This has been possible due to the introduction of new treatment strategies like "treat-to-target," in which the clinician treats the patient aggressively enough to reach low disease activity or remission, and the introduction of new therapeutic agents, such as biological therapies, which can lead to the prevention of damage by early diagnosis and initiation of treatment. Attention is now being directed toward identifying the optimal treatment for each patient, one that will be the most efficient and have the least number of side effects. Much work has been done to find serologic and synovial biomarkers of response to various RA treatments. Proteomics, genomics and, in the past few years, metabolomics, have all been used in the quest of identifying these biomarkers. Blood-based liquid biopsies provide a minimally invasive alternative to synovial biopsies to identify cellular and molecular signatures that can be used to longitudinally monitor response and allow for personalized medicine approach. Liquid biopsies are comprised of cell-free DNA, immune circulating cells, and extracellular vesicles, and are being increasingly and successfully used in the field of oncology for diagnosis, progression, prognosis, and prediction of response to treatment. Recently, researchers have also begun investigating the usefulness of liquid biopsies in the field of rheumatology; in this review, we will focus on the potential of liquid biopsy blood samples as biomarkers of response to treatment in patients with RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxana Coras
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, La Jolla, California; University of California San Diego, San Diego, California; Department of Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rekha Narasimhan
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, La Jolla, California; University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Monica Guma
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, La Jolla, California; University of California San Diego, San Diego, California; Department of Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.
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58
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Schreiber K, Nocturne G, Cornec D, Daïen CI. Lymphocytes as Biomarkers of Therapeutic Response in Rheumatic Autoimmune Diseases, Is It a Realistic Goal? Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2018; 53:277-290. [PMID: 28560621 DOI: 10.1007/s12016-017-8614-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Many therapies are available for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) while biological therapies have limited effects in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). In both cases, biomarkers predicting drug response would be very useful to guide clinicians in their choice. We performed a systematic review to evaluate the value of lymphocyte phenotyping as a marker of therapeutic response. Of the 1063 articles retrieved, 39 fulfilled inclusion criteria and were included in the present review (25 for RA, 10 for SLE, and 4 for pSS). Lymphocyte phenotyping was described as a biomarker of therapeutic response in many studies, but most results could not be confirmed by independent teams using multivariate analysis. The most consistent result might be the association between rituximab response and the levels of memory B cells before therapy, although some studies were controversial. Thus, lymphocyte phenotyping cannot yet be proposed as a biomarker of response in rheumatic autoimmune diseases. The lack of reproducibility between studies may be explained by technical issues influencing lymphocyte phenotyping so standardization procedures should be developed for future studies. The patients' characteristics vary between studies, and large population studies, including a wide range of patients' characteristics and biomarkers, are required to provide predictive models for clinical outcomes. The use of new flow cytometry techniques such as single-cell mass cytometry technology might also help finder reliable biomarkers in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Schreiber
- Rheumatology Department, Lapeyronie Hospital and Montpellier I University, Montpellier, France
| | | | | | - Claire I Daïen
- Rheumatology Department, Lapeyronie Hospital and Montpellier I University, Montpellier, France.
- Institute of Molecular Genetic, UMR 5535, CNRS, Montpellier, France.
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Gunasekera S, Fernandes-Cerqueira C, Wennmalm S, Wähämaa H, Sommarin Y, Catrina AI, Jakobsson PJ, Göransson U. Stabilized Cyclic Peptides as Scavengers of Autoantibodies: Neutralization of Anticitrullinated Protein/Peptide Antibodies in Rheumatoid Arthritis. ACS Chem Biol 2018; 13:1525-1535. [PMID: 29630823 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.8b00118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of autoantibodies is a hallmark of rheumatoid arthritis, specifically those autoantibodies targeting proteins containing the arginine-derived amino acid citrulline. There is strong evidence showing that the occurrence of anticitrullinated protein/peptide antibodies (ACPA) are involved in disease progression, and ACPA was recently shown to induce pain in animals. Here, we explore a novel concept useful for research, diagnostics, and possibly therapy of autoimmune diseases, namely, to directly target and neutralize autoantibodies using peptide binders. A high-affinity peptide-based scavenger of ACPA was developed by grafting a citrullinated epitope derived from human fibrinogen into a naturally occurring stable peptide scaffold. The best scavenger comprises the truncated epitope α-fibrinogen, [Cit573]fib(566-580), grafted into the scaffold sunflower trypsin inhibitor-1, SFTI-1. The final peptide demonstrates low nanomolar apparent affinity and superior stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunithi Gunasekera
- Division of Pharmacognosy, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, Biomedical Centre, Box 574, SE-75123 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Cátia Fernandes-Cerqueira
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine—Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Rheumatology Clinic D2:01, 171 76 Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Stefan Wennmalm
- Royal Institute of Technology-KTH, Applied Physics, Experimental Biomolecular Physics, Scilifelab, Tomtebodavägen 23, 171 65 Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Heidi Wähämaa
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine—Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Rheumatology Clinic D2:01, 171 76 Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Anca I. Catrina
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine—Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Rheumatology Clinic D2:01, 171 76 Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Per-Johan Jakobsson
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine—Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Rheumatology Clinic D2:01, 171 76 Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ulf Göransson
- Division of Pharmacognosy, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, Biomedical Centre, Box 574, SE-75123 Uppsala, Sweden
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Fosse P, Kaiser MJ, Namur G, de Seny D, Malaise MG, Hustinx R. 18F- FDG PET/CT joint assessment of early therapeutic response in rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with rituximab. Eur J Hybrid Imaging 2018; 2:6. [PMID: 29782593 PMCID: PMC5954768 DOI: 10.1186/s41824-017-0022-y] [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: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background 18F–FDG PET/CT has been proposed in the evaluation of the disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The goals of this study were to evaluate the reproducibility of the technique, to compare metabolic parameters to clinical, biological and ultrasonographic parameters before and after treatment and to evaluate whether the early metabolic response was related to the outcome. 18F- FDG PET/CT of the hands, wrists and knees was obtained in 15 patients with anti-TNFα refractory RA, at baseline and 16 weeks after treatment with rituximab. The number of PET-positive joints (PET+ joints), the cumulative standard uptake value (cSUV) and the composite index (CI) were defined. The composite clinical index DAS28, CRP serum levels and the number of joints positive at ultrasonography (US+ joints) and the cumulative synovial thickness (CST) were also assessed at baseline and week 24. Results High interobserver agreement was observed, both at baseline and after treatment. The number of PET+ joints was not correlated with the number of joints tender or swollen. The 3 metabolic parameters were strongly correlated with US, CRP and DAS28 at baseline and with US and CRP (CSUV, CI) at week 16, but no longer with the DAS28 index. The metabolic response based on the change in the visual PET/CT joint analysis predicted the outcome with a high negative predictive value of 91%, with a 91% specificity, and an 86% accuracy. Conclusions These preliminary data suggest that 18F- FDG PET/CT is a reproducible and accurate tool for evaluating disease activity in refractory rheumatoid arthritis and its non-response to rituximab. The correlation obtained with US joint assessment gives relevance to objective diseased joints through imaging techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pacôme Fosse
- 3Division of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Angers, Angers, France
| | - Marie-Joelle Kaiser
- 2Division of Rheumatology, University of Liège and CHU de Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Gauthier Namur
- 1Division of Nuclear Medicine, University of Liège and CHU de Liège, Sart Tilman B35, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Dominique de Seny
- 2Division of Rheumatology, University of Liège and CHU de Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Michel G Malaise
- 2Division of Rheumatology, University of Liège and CHU de Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Roland Hustinx
- 1Division of Nuclear Medicine, University of Liège and CHU de Liège, Sart Tilman B35, 4000 Liège, Belgium
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Dahdah A, Habir K, Nandakumar KS, Saxena A, Xu B, Holmdahl R, Malin S. Germinal Center B Cells Are Essential for Collagen-Induced Arthritis. Arthritis Rheumatol 2018; 70:193-203. [PMID: 29045049 DOI: 10.1002/art.40354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is considered to be a prototypical autoimmune disorder. Several mechanisms have been proposed for the known pathologic function of B cells in RA, including antigen presentation, cytokine secretion, and humoral immunity. The aim of this study was to address the function of B lymphocytes in experimental arthritis. METHODS We mapped the adaptive immune response following collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). We subsequently monitored these responses and disease outcomes in genetically modified mouse strains that lack mature B cell or germinal center (GC) functionality in a B cell-intrinsic manner. RESULTS Following primary immunization, the draining lymph nodes broadly reacted against type II collagen (CII) with the formation of GCs and T cell activation. Mice that lacked mature B cell function were fully protected against CIA and had a severely attenuated ability to mount isotype-switched humoral immune responses against CII. Almost identical results were observed in mice that were selectively deficient in GC responses. Importantly, GC-deficient mice were fully susceptible to collagen antibody-induced arthritis. CONCLUSION We identified GC formation and anticollagen antibody production as the key pathogenic functions of B cells in CIA. The role of B cells in RA is likely to be more complex. However, targeting the GC reaction could allow for therapeutic interventions that are more refined than general B cell depletion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Dahdah
- Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Katrin Habir
- Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kutty Selva Nandakumar
- Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden, and Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Amit Saxena
- Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bingze Xu
- Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rikard Holmdahl
- Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Stephen Malin
- Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Schrezenmeier E, Jayne D, Dörner T. Targeting B Cells and Plasma Cells in Glomerular Diseases: Translational Perspectives. J Am Soc Nephrol 2018; 29:741-758. [PMID: 29326157 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2017040367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The unique contributions of memory B cells and plasma cells in kidney diseases remain unclear. In this review, we evaluate the clinical experience with treatments directed at B cells, such as rituximab, and at plasma cells, such as proteasome inhibition, to shed light on the role of these two B lineage compartments in glomerular diseases. Specifically, analysis of these targeted interventions in diseases such as ANCA-associated vasculitis, SLE, and antibody-mediated transplant rejection permits insight into the pathogenetic effect of these cells. Notwithstanding the limitations of preclinical models and clinical studies (heterogeneous populations, among others), the data suggest that memory B and plasma cells represent two engines of autoimmunity, with variable involvement in these diseases. Whereas memory B cells and plasma cells appear to be key in ANCA-associated vasculitis and antibody-mediated transplant rejection, respectively, SLE seems likely to be driven by both autoimmune compartments. These conclusions have implications for the future development of targeted therapeutics in immune-mediated renal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David Jayne
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Dörner
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Mitte, Berlin, Germany; and
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Tudesq JJ, Cartron G, Rivière S, Morquin D, Iordache L, Mahr A, Pourcher V, Klouche K, Cerutti D, Le Quellec A, Guilpain P. Clinical and microbiological characteristics of the infections in patients treated with rituximab for autoimmune and/or malignant hematological disorders. Autoimmun Rev 2017; 17:115-124. [PMID: 29180125 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2017.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Rituximab is commonly used for the treatment of hematological malignancies and autoimmune diseases. Despite a reputation for good tolerance, case-series and registries reported rituximab-related infections of variable severity including opportunistic infections. We aimed at describing the natural history of infectious events (IE) after treatment by rituximab providing clinical and microbiological features and outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of patients treated with rituximab in an internal medicine department of a tertiary hospital between 2007 and 2015, and identified all IE after this therapy. Events' severity was assessed using the Common Terminological Criteria of Adverse Events (version 4.3) definitions. RESULTS Among 101 patients treated with rituximab, we identified 228 IE in 74 (73.3%) of these patients (median follow-up 30.4months). Indication for rituximab was either autoimmune disease (AID) (52.5% of patients), or monoclonal hematological disease (MHD) (47.5%). Patients received an overall median number of 5 rituximab infusions [interquartile range: 4-8], representing a cumulative dose of 4340mg [2620-6160]. After last rituximab infusion, IE occurred after 3.1months [0.7-9.4]. Respectively, IE were severe in 28.1% of cases in patients treated for AID vs 58.0% in patients treated for MHD (p<0.001), due to opportunistic pathogens in 7.8% vs 11.0% (p=0.49) and fatal in 4.7% vs 13.0% (p=0.044). Factor associated with mortality were polymicrobial infection (p<0.001), monoclonal hematological disease (p=0.035), use of steroids over 10mg/d within the last two weeks (p=0.003), and rituximab cumulative dose (p<0.001). We identified a group of 10 patients (9.9%) showing life-threatening, polymicrobial, and opportunistic infections constituting a 'catastrophic infectious syndrome', which was lethal in 7 cases. CONCLUSION IE after treatment by rituximab can be extremely severe, especially in patients immunocompromised by several other drugs. Further studies should focus on the group with life-threatening polymicrobial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Jacques Tudesq
- Internal Medicine and Multi-organic Diseases Department, Local Referral Center for Rare Autoimmune Diseases, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier F-34000, France; Medical Intensive Care Unit, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier F-34000, France
| | - Guillaume Cartron
- Clinical Hematology Department, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, F-34000, France; Centre National de Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR 5235, Montpellier University, Montpellier F-34000, France
| | - Sophie Rivière
- Internal Medicine and Multi-organic Diseases Department, Local Referral Center for Rare Autoimmune Diseases, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier F-34000, France
| | - David Morquin
- Infectious Diseases Department, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, F-34000, France
| | - Laura Iordache
- Internal Medicine Department, Saint-Louis University Hospital, AP-HP, Paris F-75010, France
| | - Alfred Mahr
- Internal Medicine Department, Saint-Louis University Hospital, AP-HP, Paris F-75010, France
| | - Valérie Pourcher
- Infectious Diseases Department, Pitié-Salpêtrière University Hospital, AP-HP, Paris F-75005, France
| | - Kada Klouche
- Medical Intensive Care Unit, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier F-34000, France
| | - Diane Cerutti
- Internal Medicine and Multi-organic Diseases Department, Local Referral Center for Rare Autoimmune Diseases, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier F-34000, France
| | - Alain Le Quellec
- Internal Medicine and Multi-organic Diseases Department, Local Referral Center for Rare Autoimmune Diseases, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier F-34000, France
| | - Philippe Guilpain
- Internal Medicine and Multi-organic Diseases Department, Local Referral Center for Rare Autoimmune Diseases, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier F-34000, France; Institut National de la Santé Et de la Rercherche Médicale (INSERM) U1183, Institute for Regenerative Medicine and Biotherapies (IRMB), Montpellier F-34000, France.
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Romão VC, Vital EM, Fonseca JE, Buch MH. Right drug, right patient, right time: aspiration or future promise for biologics in rheumatoid arthritis? Arthritis Res Ther 2017; 19:239. [PMID: 29065909 PMCID: PMC5655983 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-017-1445-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Individualising biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) to maximise outcomes and deliver safe and cost-effective care is a key goal in the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Investigation to identify predictive tools of bDMARD response is a highly active and prolific area of research. In addition to clinical phenotyping, cellular and molecular characterisation of synovial tissue and blood in patients with RA, using different technologies, can facilitate predictive testing. This narrative review will summarise the literature for the available bDMARD classes and focus on where progress has been made. We will also look ahead and consider the increasing use of 'omics' technologies, the potential they hold as well as the challenges, and what is needed in the future to fully realise our ambition of personalised bDMARD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasco C. Romão
- Rheumatology Research Unit, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte, Av. Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-035 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Edward M. Vital
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- NIHR Leeds Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - João Eurico Fonseca
- Rheumatology Research Unit, Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital de Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte, Av. Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-035 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maya H. Buch
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- NIHR Leeds Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
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Nasonov EL, Mazurov VI, Zonova EV, Knyazeva LA, Marusenko IM, Nesmeyanova OB, Plaksina TV, Shapovalova YS, Ilivanova EP, Krechikova DG, Petrochenkova NA, Reshetko OV, Denisov LN, Gordeev IG, Davydova AF, Eremina NA, Zemerova EV, Ivanova TB, Kastanayan AA, Pokrovskaya TG, Smakotina SA, Smolyarchuk EA, Artemyeva AV, Ivanov RA, Usacheva YV, Chernyaeva EV. THE EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF RITUXIMAB BIOSIMILAR (ACELLBIA®) IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS AS THE FIRST BIOLOGICAL AGENT: RESULTS OF PHASE III (ALTERRA) CLINICAL TRIAL. RHEUMATOLOGY SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2017. [DOI: 10.14412/1995-4484-2017-351-359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The Russian biotechnological company «BIOCAD» has designed a chimeric monoclonal antibody against CD20 (BCD-020, Acellbia®) that is a biosimilar of rituximab (RTM; MabThera®, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Switzerland). In recent years, there has been evidence that RTM can be used at lower doses than those given in the standard recommendations and instructions for the use of this drug. This serves as the basis for the BCD-020-4/ALTERRA (ALTErnative Rituximab regimen in Rheumatoid Arthritis) trial, the objective of which was to investigate the efficiency and safety of using Acellbia® (at a dose of 600 mg twice at a 2-week interval) as the first biological agent (BA) for methotrexate (MTX)-resistant active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The investigation enrolled 159 patients aged 18 to 80 years with active RA. After 24 weeks 65.7 and 29.4% of patients achieved 20% improvement by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria in the Acellbia® + MTX and placebo (PL) + MTX groups, respectively (p<0.0001). The differences in the ACR20 response rate in the two groups were 36.3% (95% CI, 19.27–53.28%). There were significant differences between the groups in the ACR50 response rates: 28.4% and 5.9% (p=0.001) and in the ACR70 ones: 12.8% and only 2.0%, respectively (p=0.036). Analysis of all recorded adverse events (AE) frequency showed no significant differences between the patients in the study and control groups and demonstrates its equivalence with that of RTM (MabThera®); all the AE were expectable. It is noted that antibodies to RTM with binding and neutralizing activities had no impact on the efficiency and safety of therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. L. Nasonov
- V.A. Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology
I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia
| | - V. I. Mazurov
- I.I. Mechnikov North-Western State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia
| | | | | | - I. M. Marusenko
- V.A. Baranov Republican Hospital, Ministry of Health of the Republic of Karelia
| | | | - T. V. Plaksina
- N.A. Semashko Nizhny Novgorod Regional Clinical Hospital
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - A. F. Davydova
- Professor S.V. Ochapovsky Territorial Clinical Hospital One
| | - N. A. Eremina
- Railway Clinical Hospital at the Gorky Station, OAO «RZhD»
| | | | | | | | | | - S. A. Smakotina
- Kemerovo State Medical Academy, Ministry of Health of Russia
| | - E. A. Smolyarchuk
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia
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Viecceli D, Garcia MP, Schneider L, Alegretti AP, Silva CK, Ribeiro AL, Brenol CV, Xavier RM. Correlação entre expressão celular de proteínas reguladoras do complemento com a depleção e repopulação de linfócitos B no sangue periférico de pacientes com artrite reumatoide tratada com rituximabe. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE REUMATOLOGIA 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbr.2016.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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68
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Wijbrandts CA, Tak PP. Prediction of Response to Targeted Treatment in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Mayo Clin Proc 2017; 92:1129-1143. [PMID: 28688467 DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2017.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2017] [Revised: 04/30/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune syndrome presenting with chronic inflammation of the joints. Patients with the same diagnosis can present with different phenotypes. In some patients severe joint inflammation and early joint destruction are observed, whereas a milder phenotype can be seen in others. Conversely, patients with the same signs and symptoms may exhibit different immunological and molecular abnormalities. Since the introduction of early treatment in clinical practice, the treat to target principle, and new medicines such as biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, clinical remission can be achieved early in the disease course, albeit not in all patients. The clinical response and efficacy of biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs vary among different individuals. Therefore, there is a need to develop a more personalized approach toward treatment to achieve rapid remission in every patient to prevent disability and restore and maintain quality of life, without unnecessary adverse effects, in a cost-effective manner. The latest data from explorative studies of predictive markers of response are discussed here, together with a preliminary treatment algorithm based on currently available knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Wijbrandts
- Rheumatology Department, Medical Center Slotervaart, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - P P Tak
- Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Cambridge University, Cambridge, United Kingdom; University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium; GlaxoSmithKline Research & Development, Stevenage, United Kingdom
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69
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Humby FC, Al Balushi F, Lliso G, Cauli A, Pitzalis C. Can Synovial Pathobiology Integrate with Current Clinical and Imaging Prediction Models to Achieve Personalized Health Care in Rheumatoid Arthritis? Front Med (Lausanne) 2017; 4:41. [PMID: 28516086 PMCID: PMC5413506 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2017.00041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although great progress has been made in the past decade toward understanding the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), clinicians remain some distance from a goal of personalized health care. The capacity to diagnose RA early, predict prognosis, and moreover predict response to biologic therapies has been a research focus for many years. How currently available clinical prediction models can facilitate such goals is reviewed in this article. In addition, the role of current imaging techniques in this regard is also discussed. Finally, the authors review the current literature regarding synovial biomarkers and consider whether integration of synovial pathobiology into clinical prediction algorithms may enhance their predictive value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances Claire Humby
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Rheumatology, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | | | - Gloria Lliso
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Rheumatology, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Alberto Cauli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Costantino Pitzalis
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Rheumatology, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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70
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The value of rituximab treatment in primary Sjögren's syndrome. Clin Immunol 2017; 182:62-71. [PMID: 28478105 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2017.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The rationale for B cell depletion therapy with rituximab in primary Sjögren's syndrome relies upon the well-established role of B cell hyperactivity in immunopathogenesis. In line with this notion, several biomarkers of B cell activity are significantly affected by treatment, both in the target organs and periphery. In contrast to most biological outcomes, clinical outcomes are not consistent between studies. Although two large RCTs did not meet their primary endpoint, several beneficial clinical effects of treatment have been shown. As discussed in this review, differences in study design and patient characteristics could explain the variation in results. Interestingly, a newly developed composite endpoint of subjective and objective outcomes did show a significant effect of rituximab in one of the large RCTs. Response predictors need to be identified to define more targeted inclusion criteria and achieve precision medicine. The positive effects seen on biological and clinical parameters warrant future studies to investigate this promising treatment modality.
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71
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Fuh FK, Looney C, Li D, Poon KA, Dere RC, Danilenko DM, McBride J, Reed C, Chung S, Zheng B, Mathews WR, Polson A, Prabhu S, Williams M. Anti-CD22 and anti-CD79b antibody-drug conjugates preferentially target proliferating B cells. Br J Pharmacol 2017; 174:628-640. [PMID: 28009435 PMCID: PMC5368047 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Revised: 11/11/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE CD22 and CD79b are cell-surface receptors expressed on B-cell-derived malignancies such as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). An anti-mitotic agent, monomethyl auristatin E, was conjugated to anti-CD22 and anti-CD79b antibodies to develop target-specific therapies for NHL. The mechanism of action (MOA) and pharmacological and pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles of these antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) were investigated in cynomolgus monkeys. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Animals were administered anti-CD22 or anti-CD79b ADCs, respective unconjugated antibodies or vehicle. Pharmacodynamic effects on total and proliferating B cells and serum PK were then assessed. Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) of the ADCs were evaluated in vitro. KEY RESULTS Depletion of B cells was observed after administration of either ADC or the respective unconjugated antibodies. An extended duration of depletion was observed in animals administered ADCs. Similarly, preferential depletion of proliferating B cells in blood and germinal centre B cells in spleen were only observed in animals administered ADCs. Serum PK profiles of ADCs and respective unconjugated antibodies were comparable. In vitro, anti-human CD22 and anti-human CD79b antibodies showed no or only moderate ADCC activity, respectively; neither antibody had CDC activity. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The findings support the proposed MOA: initial depletion of total B cells by antibody-mediated opsonization, followed by preferential, sustained depletion of proliferating B cells by the auristatin conjugate due to its anti-mitotic action. Delivering potent anti-mitotic agents to B cells via the specificity of monoclonal antibodies provides a means to eliminate pathogenic B cells in NHL with improved risk-benefit profiles over traditional chemotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franklin K Fuh
- Department of Pharmacodynamic BiomarkersGenentech, Inc.South San FranciscoCAUSA
| | - Caroline Looney
- Department of Pharmacodynamic BiomarkersGenentech, Inc.South San FranciscoCAUSA
| | - Dongwei Li
- Department of Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic SciencesGenentech, Inc.South San FranciscoCAUSA
| | - Kirsten A Poon
- Department of Safety and ToxicologyGenentech, Inc.South San FranciscoCAUSA
- Denali Therapeutics, Inc.South San FranciscoCAUSA
| | - Randall C Dere
- Department of BioAnalytical Research and DevelopmentGenentech, Inc.South San FranciscoCAUSA
| | | | - Jacqueline McBride
- Department of Pharmacodynamic BiomarkersGenentech, Inc.South San FranciscoCAUSA
| | - Chae Reed
- Department of BioAnalytical Research and DevelopmentGenentech, Inc.South San FranciscoCAUSA
| | - Shan Chung
- Department of BioAnalytical Research and DevelopmentGenentech, Inc.South San FranciscoCAUSA
| | - Bing Zheng
- Department of Immunology ResearchGenentech, Inc.South San FranciscoCAUSA
| | | | - Andrew Polson
- Department of Immunology ResearchGenentech, Inc.South San FranciscoCAUSA
| | - Saileta Prabhu
- Department of Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic SciencesGenentech, Inc.South San FranciscoCAUSA
| | - Marna Williams
- Department of Pharmacodynamic BiomarkersGenentech, Inc.South San FranciscoCAUSA
- MedImmune, GaithersburgMDUSA
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Madanchi N, Bitzan M, Takano T. Rituximab in Minimal Change Disease: Mechanisms of Action and Hypotheses for Future Studies. Can J Kidney Health Dis 2017; 4:2054358117698667. [PMID: 28540057 PMCID: PMC5433659 DOI: 10.1177/2054358117698667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment with rituximab, a monoclonal antibody against the B-lymphocyte surface protein CD20, leads to the depletion of B cells. Recently, rituximab was reported to effectively prevent relapses of glucocorticoid-dependent or frequently relapsing minimal change disease (MCD). MCD is thought to be T-cell mediated; how rituximab controls MCD is not understood. In this review, we summarize key clinical studies demonstrating the efficacy of rituximab in idiopathic nephrotic syndrome, mainly MCD. We then discuss immunological features of this disease and potential mechanisms of action of rituximab in its treatment based on what is known about the therapeutic action of rituximab in other immune-mediated disorders. We believe that studies aimed at understanding the mechanisms of action of rituximab in MCD will provide a novel approach to resolve the elusive immune pathophysiology of MCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nima Madanchi
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Martin Bitzan
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Tomoko Takano
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Absence of Intragraft B Cells in Rejection Biopsies After Rituximab Induction Therapy: Consequences for Clinical Outcome. Transplant Direct 2017; 3:e143. [PMID: 28405599 PMCID: PMC5381736 DOI: 10.1097/txd.0000000000000659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The pathophysiological role of intragraft B cells during renal allograft rejection is unclear. Methods We studied B-cell infiltration during acute rejection in 53 patients who participated in a clinical trial in which adult renal transplant patients were randomized between a single intraoperative dose of rituximab (375 mg/m2) or placebo as induction therapy. Two independent pathologists scored all biopsies in a blinded fashion according to the Banff classification and scored for the presence of B cells and plasma cells using CD79a and CD138 as markers. Results The majority of acute rejections were T cell–mediated. The proportion of acute rejections with an antibody-mediated component tended to be lower in rituximab-treated patients (4/23, 17.4%) than in placebo-treated patients (11/30, 36.7%; P = 0.14). Biopsies of rituximab-treated patients had significantly lower scores for B cells (0.00; range, 0.00-0.50 vs 1.70; range, 0.60-3.30; P < 0.0001) and plasma cells (0.10; range, 0.00-1.90 vs 0.40; range, 0.00-7.50; P = 0.006). During acute rejection, intragraft clusters of B cells were not observed after rituximab induction therapy. However, the depletion of intragraft B cells during acute rejection did not affect steroid resistance, proteinuria, graft function at 2 years follow-up, or patient and graft survival at a median follow-up of 4.1 years (range, 2.0-6.2 years). Conclusions These data do not support a harmful influence of intragraft B cells present during acute allograft rejection on the clinical course within the first few years after renal transplantation.
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Bombardieri M, Lewis M, Pitzalis C. Ectopic lymphoid neogenesis in rheumatic autoimmune diseases. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2017; 13:141-154. [PMID: 28202919 DOI: 10.1038/nrrheum.2016.217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Ectopic lymphoid neogenesis often occurs in the target tissues of patients with chronic rheumatic autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren syndrome and other connective tissue disorders, including systemic lupus erythematosus and myositis. However, the mechanisms of ectopic lymphoid-like structure (ELS) formation and function are not entirely understood. For example, it is unclear whether ELSs indicate distinct disease phenotypes or whether they are evolutionary manifestations of chronic inflammation. Also unclear is why ELSs form in some patients but not in others. Nonetheless, ELSs frequently display functional features of ectopic germinal centres and can actively contribute to the maintenance of autoimmunity through the production of disease-specific autoantibodies; furthermore, they seem to influence disease severity and response to both synthetic and biologic DMARDs. In this Review, we discuss current knowledge and gaps in understanding of ELS formation and function including their prevalence in the above rheumatic autoimmune diseases; the mechanisms underlying their formation, maintenance and function, including positive and negative regulatory pathways; their functional relevance in the perpetuation of autoimmunity; their relationship with disease phenotypes, clinical outcomes and response to treatment; and the potential for specific targeting of ELSs through novel therapeutic modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Bombardieri
- Centre for Experimental Medicine and Rheumatology, John Vane Science Centre, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Myles Lewis
- Centre for Experimental Medicine and Rheumatology, John Vane Science Centre, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Costantino Pitzalis
- Centre for Experimental Medicine and Rheumatology, John Vane Science Centre, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
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Chatzidionysiou K, Lie E, Lukina G, Hetland ML, Hauge EM, Pavelka K, Gabay C, Scherer A, Nordström D, Canhao H, Santos MJ, Tomsic M, Rotar Z, Hernández MV, Gomez-Reino J, Ancuta I, Kvien TK, van Vollenhoven R. Rituximab Retreatment in Rheumatoid Arthritis in a Real-life Cohort: Data from the CERERRA Collaboration. J Rheumatol 2017; 44:162-169. [DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.160460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Objective.Several aspects of rituximab (RTX) retreatment in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) need to be further elucidated. The aim of this study was to describe the effect of repeated courses of RTX on disease activity and to compare 2 retreatment strategies, fixed-interval versus on-flare retreatment, in a large international, observational, collaborative study.Methods.In the first analysis, patients with RA who received at least 4 cycles with RTX were included. In the second analysis, patients who received at least 1 RTX retreatment and for whom information about the strategy for retreatment was available were identified. Two retreatment strategies (fixed-interval vs on-flare) were compared by fitting-adjusted, mixed-effects models of 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28) over time for first and second retreatment.Results.A total of 1530 patients met the eligibility criteria for the first analysis. Significant reductions of mean DAS28 between the starts of subsequent treatment cycles were observed (at start of first treatment cycle: 5.5; second: 4.3; third: 3.8; and fourth: 3.5), suggesting improved response after each additional cycle (p < 0.0001 for all pairwise comparisons). A total of 800 patients qualified for the second analysis: 616 were retreated on flare and 184 at fixed interval. For the first retreatment, the fixed-interval retreatment group yielded significantly better results than the on-flare group (estimated marginal mean DAS28 = 3.8, 95% CI 3.6–4.1 vs 4.6, 95% CI 4.5–4.7, p < 0.0001). Similar results were found for the second retreatment.Conclusion.Repeated treatment with RTX leads to further clinical improvement after the first course of RTX. A fixed-interval retreatment strategy seems to be more effective than on-flare retreatment.
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Bruijnen S, Tsang-A-Sjoe M, Raterman H, Ramwadhdoebe T, Vugts D, van Dongen G, Huisman M, Hoekstra O, Tak PP, Voskuyl A, van der Laken C. B-cell imaging with zirconium-89 labelled rituximab PET-CT at baseline is associated with therapeutic response 24 weeks after initiation of rituximab treatment in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Arthritis Res Ther 2016; 18:266. [PMID: 27863504 PMCID: PMC5116204 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-016-1166-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND B cells are key players in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although successful in 50-60% of patients with RA, anti-B-cell therapy given as rituximab could be more efficient by identifying potential responders prior to treatment. Positron emission tomography (PET) using radiolabeled rituximab for B-cell imaging might provide the means to fulfil this unmet clinical need. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between biodistribution of zirconium-89 (89Zr)-rituximab on PET-computed tomography (CT) and clinical response in patients with RA. METHODS We included 20 patients with RA who were starting rituximab treatment. At the first intravenous (i.v.) therapeutic dose, patients were also injected with 89Zr-rituximab, followed by PET-CT. European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) response criteria were applied to determine response at week 24. PET-CT was analyzed visually and quantitatively. Lymph node (LN) biopsies were performed at 0 and 4 weeks to correlate B-cell counts with imaging data. RESULTS PET-positive hand joints (range 1-20) were observed in 18/20 patients. Responders had significantly higher 89Zr-rituximab uptake in PET-positive hand joints than non-responders (median target-to-background (T/B)) ratios (IQR) were 6.2 (4.0-8.8) vs. 3.1 (2.2-3.9), p = 0.02). At T/B ≥4.0, positive and negative predictive values for clinical response were respectively 90% and 75%. Quantitative 89Zr-rituximab hand joint uptake on PET correlated inversely with CD22+ B-cell count in LN tissue at 4 weeks of treatment (r = 0.6, p = 0.05). In addition, the CD22+ B-cell count in LN correlated positively with quantitative LN PET data at baseline, supporting the specificity of B-cell imaging on PET. CONCLUSIONS Non-invasive B-cell imaging by 89Zr-rituximab PET-CT has promising clinical value to select RA responders to rituximab at baseline. 89Zr-rituximab PET-CT may also hold promise for monitoring anti-B-cell therapies in other B-cell driven autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Bruijnen
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and immunology Center (ARC), location VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Michel Tsang-A-Sjoe
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and immunology Center (ARC), location VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hennie Raterman
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and immunology Center (ARC), location VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tamara Ramwadhdoebe
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and immunology Center (ARC), location Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daniëlle Vugts
- Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Guus van Dongen
- Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marc Huisman
- Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Otto Hoekstra
- Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Paul-Peter Tak
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and immunology Center (ARC), location Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alexandre Voskuyl
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and immunology Center (ARC), location VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Conny van der Laken
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and immunology Center (ARC), location VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Viecceli D, Garcia MP, Schneider L, Alegretti AP, Silva CK, Ribeiro AL, Brenol CV, Xavier RM. Correlation between cellular expression of complement regulatory proteins with depletion and repopulation of B-lymphocytes in peripheral blood of patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with rituximab. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE REUMATOLOGIA 2016; 57:385-391. [PMID: 29037309 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbre.2016.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 07/31/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To correlate the basal expression of complement regulatory proteins (CRPs) CD55, CD59, CD35, and CD46 in B-lymphocytes from the peripheral blood of a cohort of 10 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) initiating treatment with rituximab (RTX) with depletion and time repopulation of such cells. METHODS Ten patients with RA received two infusions of 1g of RTX with an interval of 14 days. Immunophenotypic analysis for the detection of CD55, CD59, CD35, and CD46 on B-lymphocytes was carried out immediately before the first infusion. The population of B-lymphocytes was analyzed by means of basal CD19 expression and after 1, 2, and 6 months after the infusion of RTX, and then quarterly until clinical relapse. Depletion of B-lymphocytes in peripheral blood was defined as a CD19 expression <0.005×109/L. RESULTS Ten women with a median of 49 years and a baseline DAS28=5.6 were evaluated; 9 were seropositive for rheumatoid factor. Five patients showed a repopulation of B-lymphocytes after 2 months, and the other five after 6 months. There was a correlation between the basal expression of CD46 and the time of repopulation (correlation coefficient=-0.733, p=0.0016). A similar trend was observed with CD35, but without statistical significance (correction coefficient=-0.522, p=0.12). CONCLUSION The increased CD46 expression was predictive of a faster repopulation of B-lymphocytes in patients treated with RTX. Studies involving a larger number of patients will be needed to confirm the utility of basal expression of CRPs as a predictor of clinical response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Viecceli
- Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Serviço de Reumatologia, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Mariana Pires Garcia
- Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Serviço de Patologia Clínica, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Laiana Schneider
- Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Serviço de Patologia Clínica, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Alegretti
- Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Serviço de Patologia Clínica, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | - André Lucas Ribeiro
- Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Serviço de Reumatologia, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Claiton Viegas Brenol
- Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Serviço de Reumatologia, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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78
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Besada E, Nossent JC. CD4 cell count and CD4/CD8 ratio increase during rituximab maintenance in granulomatosis with polyangiitis patients. PeerJ 2016; 4:e2487. [PMID: 27688979 PMCID: PMC5036106 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.2487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2016] [Accepted: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Rituximab (RTX) is a B cell-depleting agent approved for the treatment of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA). RTX reduces antibody producing precursor plasma cells and inhibits B and T cells interaction. Infections related to T cell immunodeficiency are not infrequent during RTX treatment. Our study investigated CD4 cell count and CD4/CD8 ratio in GPA patients during the first two years of long-term RTX treatment. Methods A single centre cohort study of 35 patients who received median total cumulative dose of cyclophosphamide (CYC) of 15 g and were treated with RTX 2 g followed by retreatment with either 2 g once annually or 1 g biannually. Serum levels of total immunoglobulin (Ig) and lymphocytes subsets were recorded at RTX initiation and at 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. Low CD4 count and inverted CD4/CD8 ratio were defined as CD4 < 0.3 × 109/l and ratio < 1. Results The CD4 cell count and CD4/CD8 ratio decreased slightly following the initial RTX treatment and then increased gradually during maintenance treatment. While the proportion of patients with low CD4 cell count decreased from 43% at baseline to 18% at 24 months, the ratio remained inverted in 40%. Oral daily prednisolone dose at baseline, CYC exposure and the maintenance regimen did not influence the CD4 cell count and ratio. Being older (p = 0.012) and having a higher CRP (p = 0.044) and ESR (p = 0.024) at baseline significantly increased the risk of inverted CD4/CD8 ratio at 24 months. Inverted ratio at baseline associated with lower total Ig levels during the study. Conclusions Overall, the CD4 and CD4/CD8 ratio increased during maintenance RTX therapy in GPA with no discernible impact of other immunosuppressive therapy. However the increase in CD4 was not followed by an increase in the CD4/CD8 ratio, especially in older patients. Inverted CD4/CD8 ratio associated with lower Ig levels, suggesting a more profound B cell depleting effect of RTX with a relative increase in CD8+ lymphocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilio Besada
- Bone and Joint Research Group, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway , Tromsø , Norway
| | - Johannes C Nossent
- School of Medicine & Pharmacology QEII Medical Centre Unit, University of Western Australia, Australia; Rheumatology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia
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Stradner MH, Dejaco C, Brickmann K, Graninger WB, Brezinschek HP. A combination of cellular biomarkers predicts failure to respond to rituximab in rheumatoid arthritis: a 24-week observational study. Arthritis Res Ther 2016; 18:190. [PMID: 27558631 PMCID: PMC4997751 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-016-1091-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although B cell depletion with rituximab (RTX) is an effective treatment strategy in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), one third of patients do not achieve remission or low disease activity (LDA). Thus, identifying patients who will benefit from RTX is highly desirable. In the present study we investigated whether lymphocyte subsets other than B cells are predictors of a clinical response to RTX treatment. METHODS Patients with RA who were receiving RTX for the first time were included in an observatory registry. Clinical assessments, complete blood count and flow cytometry of lymphocyte subsets were obtained at baseline and at week 24 after RTX. Complete data were available for 44 patients. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were computed to analyze the predictive value of lymphocyte subsets for European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) response and LDA (defined as disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS28) ≤3.2) at week 24. RESULTS EULAR responders had lower total lymphocyte counts (LC), T cells and CD4 + T cells at baseline. Although these parameters were independent predictors of EULAR response they failed in determining who would reach LDA. In contrast, LC >2910/μl or plasmablast frequency >2.85 % at baseline predicted a significantly higher DAS28 at week 24 after RTX and identified patients not achieving LDA at week 24 with sensitivity of 93.3 % and specificity of 44.8 %. CONCLUSIONS A combination of LC and plasmablast frequency identifies patients with RA who will not benefit from RTX with high probability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin H Stradner
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Christian Dejaco
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Kerstin Brickmann
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Winfried B Graninger
- Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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Venkatesha SH, Dudics S, Astry B, Moudgil KD. Control of autoimmune inflammation by celastrol, a natural triterpenoid. Pathog Dis 2016; 74:ftw059. [PMID: 27405485 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftw059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Celastrol is a bioactive compound derived from traditional Chinese medicinal herbs of the Celastraceae family. Celastrol is known to possess anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities. Our studies have highlighted the immunomodulatory attributes of celastrol in adjuvant-induced arthritis (AA), an experimental model of human rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the synovial lining of the joints, leading eventually to tissue damage and deformities. Identification of the molecular targets of celastrol such as the NF-κB pathway, MAPK pathway, JAK/STAT pathway and RANKL/OPG pathway has unraveled its strategic checkpoints in controlling arthritic inflammation and tissue damage in AA. The pathological events that are targeted and rectified by celastrol include increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines; an imbalance between pathogenic T helper 17 and regulatory T cells; enhanced production of chemokines coupled with increased migration of immune cells into the joints; and increased release of mediators of osteoclastic bone damage. Accordingly, celastrol is a promising candidate for further testing in the clinic for RA therapy. Furthermore, the results of other preclinical studies suggest that celastrol might also be beneficial for the treatment of a few other autoimmune diseases besides arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivaprasad H Venkatesha
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Division of Rheumatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 W. Baltimore Street, HSF-1, Suite 380, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Steven Dudics
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Division of Rheumatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 W. Baltimore Street, HSF-1, Suite 380, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Brian Astry
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Division of Rheumatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 W. Baltimore Street, HSF-1, Suite 380, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Kamal D Moudgil
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Division of Rheumatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 W. Baltimore Street, HSF-1, Suite 380, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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Optimising B-cell depletion in autoimmune disease: is obinutuzumab the answer? Drug Discov Today 2016; 21:1330-8. [PMID: 27343722 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2016.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Revised: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), B-cell depletion therapy using rituximab results in variable clinical responses between individuals, which likely relates to variable B-cell depletion in the presence of immune defects. Outcomes in clinical trials with other type I anti-CD20 mAbs, ocrelizumab and ofatumumab, are comparable to rituximab. A mechanistically different type II mAb, obinutuzumab (OBZ), with greater capacity for B-cell depletion, has recently entered clinical trials in SLE. Here we consider whether type II anti-CD20 mAbs will provide mechanistic advantages to overcome the disease-related immune defects in autoimmune diseases such as SLE.
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Cheng DR, Barton R, Greenway A, Crawford NW. Rituximab and protection from vaccine preventable diseases: applying the evidence to pediatric patients. Expert Rev Vaccines 2016; 15:1567-1574. [PMID: 27216827 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2016.1193438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This article analyses and highlights the challenge of immunization and preventing vaccine preventable diseases in pediatric patients on rituximab. Rituximab is a chimeric anti-CD 20 monoclonal antibody that is an immunosuppressant affecting both cellular and humoral immunity. Children and adolescents on rituximab are at increased risk of infection and vaccine preventable diseases, and require additional strategies to optimize and maximize their protection against such illnesses. Areas covered: This article provides a comprehensive MEDLINE and Pubmed review of existing literature regarding vaccine immunogenicity and safety in patients on rituximab, and assists in providing an evidence base to develop immunization guidelines. Of particular note, the use of live-attenuated vaccines and optimum timing of vaccines post rituximab is considered and discussed. Expert commentary: The increasing use of rituximab in a variety of novel areas within pediatrics must be accompanied by informed discussion around mitigating the risks. These include immunosuppression, and potential susceptibility to infection. Optimizing vaccine status by establishing adequate antibody titers prior to commencement remains the best preventative strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daryl R Cheng
- a General Medicine , The Royal Children's Hospital , Melbourne , VIC , Australia.,b Department of Paediatrics , The University of Melbourne , Melbourne , VIC , Australia.,c SAEFVIC , Murdoch Children's Research Institute , Melbourne , VIC , Australia
| | - Rebecca Barton
- d Haematology Department , The Royal Children's Hospital , Melbourne , VIC , Australia
| | - Anthea Greenway
- d Haematology Department , The Royal Children's Hospital , Melbourne , VIC , Australia.,e Haematology Research Group , Murdoch Children's Research Institute , Melbourne , VIC , Australia
| | - Nigel W Crawford
- a General Medicine , The Royal Children's Hospital , Melbourne , VIC , Australia.,b Department of Paediatrics , The University of Melbourne , Melbourne , VIC , Australia.,c SAEFVIC , Murdoch Children's Research Institute , Melbourne , VIC , Australia
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Anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies and their value for predicting responses to biologic agents: a review. Rheumatol Int 2016; 36:1043-63. [PMID: 27271502 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-016-3506-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies (ACPAs) play an important pathogenic role both at the onset and during the disease course. These antibodies precede the clinical appearance of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and are associated with a less favorable prognosis, both clinically and radiologically. The objective of this work was to conduct a comprehensive review of studies published through September 2015 of ACPAs' role as a predictor of the therapeutic response to the biological agents in RA patients. The review also includes summary of the biology and detection of ACPAs as well as ACPAs in relation to joint disease and CV disease and the possible role of seroconversion. The reviews of studies examining TNF inhibitors and tocilizumab yielded negative results. In the case of rituximab, the data indicated a greater probability of clinical benefit in ACPA(+) patients versus ACPA(-) patients, as has been previously described for rheumatoid factor. Nonetheless, the effect is discreet and heterogeneous. Another drug that may have greater effectiveness in ACPA(+) patients is abatacept. Some studies have suggested that the drug is more efficient in ACPA(+) patients and that those patients show greater drug retention. In a subanalysis of the AMPLE trial, patients with very high ACPA titers who were treated with abatacept had a statistically significant response compared to patients with lower titers. In summary, the available studies suggest that the presence of or high titers of ACPA may predict a better response to rituximab and/or abatacept. Evidence regarding TNFi and tocilizumab is lacking. However, there is a lack of studies with appropriate designs to demonstrate that some drugs are superior to others for ACPA(+) patients.
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Filkova M, Cope A, Mant T, Galloway J. Is there a role of synovial biopsy in drug development? BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2016; 17:172. [PMID: 27094362 PMCID: PMC4837502 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-016-1028-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2015] [Accepted: 04/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease which causes significant pain, joint deformity, functional disability. The pathological hallmark of RA is inflammation of the synovium characterized by involvement of inflammatory and resident stromal cells, soluble mediators and signalling pathways leading to irreversible joint destruction. The treatment goal in RA has evolved over the last decade towards a target of disease remission that is achieved in less than a third of patients in clinical trials. The lack of therapeutic response to current treatments is suggestive of alternative drivers of RA pathogenesis that might serve as promising therapeutic targets. There are data to justify the use of synovial tissue in early drug development. Synovial tissue represents an appropriate compartment to be studied in patients with inflammatory arthritis and provides information that is distinct from peripheral blood. Modern techniques have made the procedure much more accessible and ultrasound guided biopsies represent a safe and acceptable option. Advances in analytic technologies allowing transcriptomic level of analysis can provide unique inside to target organ/tissue following the exposure to investigational medicinal product. However, there are still caveats with regard to both the choice of technique and analytical methods. Therefore the significance of synovial biopsy remains to be determined in future clinical trials. The aim of the current debate is to explore the potential for accessing and evaluating synovial tissue in early drug development, to summarize lessons we have learned from clinical trials and to discuss the challenges that have arisen so far.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Filkova
- Academic Department of Rheumatology, Weston Education Centre, King's College London, Cutcombe Road, SE5 9RJ, London, UK
| | - Andrew Cope
- Academic Department of Rheumatology, Weston Education Centre, King's College London, Cutcombe Road, SE5 9RJ, London, UK
| | - Tim Mant
- Quintiles Drug Research Unit at Guy's Hospital, London, UK
| | - James Galloway
- Academic Department of Rheumatology, Weston Education Centre, King's College London, Cutcombe Road, SE5 9RJ, London, UK.
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Cambridge G, Leandro MJ, Lahey LJ, Fairhead T, Robinson WH, Sokolove J. B cell depletion with rituximab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: Multiplex bead array reveals the kinetics of IgG and IgA antibodies to citrullinated antigens. J Autoimmun 2016; 70:22-30. [PMID: 27055777 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2016.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Revised: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 03/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The serology of patients with Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by persistently raised levels of autoantibodies: Rheumatoid Factors (RhF) against Fc of IgG, and to citrullinated (Cit) protein/peptide sequences: ACPA, recognizing multiple Cit-sequences. B cell depletion therapy based on rituximab delivers good clinical responses in RA patients, particularly in the seropositive group, with responses sometimes lasting beyond the phase of B cell reconstitution. In general, ACPA levels fall following rituximab, but fluctuations with respect to predicting relapse have proved disappointing. In order to identify possible immunodominant specificities within either IgG- or IgA-ACPA we used a Multiplex bead-based array consisting of 30 Cit-peptides/proteins and 22 corresponding native sequences. The kinetics of the serum ACPA response to individual specificities was measured at key points (Baseline, B cell depletion phase, Relapse) within an initial cycle of rituximab therapy in 16 consecutive patients with severe, active RA. All had achieved significant decreases in Disease Activity Scores-28 and maintained B cell depletion in the peripheral blood (<5 CD19+cells/μl) for at least 3 months. At Baseline, mean fluorescence intensity shown by individual IgG- and IgA-ACPA were strongly correlated (R(2) = 0.75; p < 0.0001) but IgA-ACPA were approximately 10-fold lower. Data were Z-normalised in order to compare serial results and antibody classes. At Baseline, a total of 68 IgG- and 51 IgA-ACPA had Z-scores ≥ 1 (above population mean) were identified, with at least one Cit-antigen identified in each serum. ACPA to individual specificities subsequently fluctuated with 3 different patterns. Most 51/68 (75%) IgG- and 48/51 IgA-ACPA (94%) fell between Baseline and Depletion, of which 57% IgG- and 65% IgA-ACPA rebounded pre-Relapse. Interestingly, 17/68 IgG-ACPA (25%) and some IgA-ACPA (3/51; 6%) transiently increased from Baseline, subsequently falling pre-Relapse. Individual responses to particular Cit-epitopes were not linked to particular patterns of fluctuation, but IgG- and IgA-ACPA to individual Cit-antigens often followed similar courses. Some new IgG- and IgA-ACPA, generally to different Cit-antigens however, arose at Relapse in 4 patients. The complexities of the ACPA response after rituximab may therefore reflect its ability to deplete or modify the function of parent B cell clones, which varies between patients. Although relapse following rituximab invariably follows naïve B cell exit from the bone marrow, these studies show that interactions between both 'new' and residual autoreactive memory B cells may be key to resumption of symptoms. The lack of identification of any immunodominant specificity suggests that the process of citrullination, rather than any particular Cit-antigen drives the autoimmune response in RA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lauren J Lahey
- VA Palo Alto Healthcare System and Stanford University, USA
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86
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Edginton S, Hitchon C, Froese W, El-Gabalawy H. Effects of Rituximab and Infliximab Treatment on Carboxypeptidase B and Its Substrates in RA Synovium. J Rheumatol 2016; 43:846-54. [DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.150869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Objective.We evaluated the synovial effects of 2 potent biologic rheumatoid arthritis (RA) therapies, focusing on their effect on the expression level of carboxypeptidase B (CPB) and its substrates.Methods.Patients with RA receiving infliximab (IFX; n = 9) or rituximab (RTX; n = 5) had an arthroscopic synovial biopsy at baseline and 16 weeks posttherapy. Expression of CPB, C5a, osteopontin (OPN), CD3, CD20, CD55, and CD68 was assessed by immunohistochemistry and image analysis, and compared with OA synovium. RA disease activity score was assessed at multiple timepoints. Serial serum samples were analyzed for soluble CPB and C5a levels.Results.The baseline clinical characteristics of patients receiving IFX and RTX were similar. At the time of the second biopsy, 50% of patients had achieved a European League Against Rheumatism good or moderate response. At baseline, expression of CPB, C5a, and OPN was markedly higher in RA compared with OA synovium and correlated with mononuclear cell infiltration. There was an overall reduction in synovial expression of CPB, C5a, and OPN paralleling a reduction in mononuclear cell infiltration, but these changes were not associated with clinical response. After an early reduction in serum C5a levels, these returned to baseline levels at later timepoints.Conclusion.In response to IFX and RTX treatment, RA synovial expression of CPB, C5a, and OPN decrease independently of the clinical response, reflecting the complex proinflammatory and antiinflammatory effects of this pathway.
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van Vollenhoven RF, Wax S, Li Y, Tak PP. Safety and efficacy of atacicept in combination with rituximab for reducing the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis: a phase II, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial. Arthritis Rheumatol 2016; 67:2828-36. [PMID: 26137975 PMCID: PMC5057363 DOI: 10.1002/art.39262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2015] [Accepted: 06/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Objective To explore the safety and tolerability of atacicept in combination with rituximab in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) receiving rituximab re‐treatment. Methods In this randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled pilot trial, 2 infusions (1,000 mg per infusion) of intravenous rituximab, given 2 weeks apart, were followed by once‐weekly subcutaneous injections of 150 mg atacicept or placebo for 25 weeks. Primary end points were the nature, incidence, and severity of adverse events (AEs). Secondary end points were the effects on peripheral blood B cells, disease activity biomarkers, and American College of Rheumatology 20% (ACR20), 50% (ACR50), and 70% (ACR70) response rates. Results Eighteen patients were randomized to receive atacicept and 9 to receive placebo. AEs occurred in 17 atacicept‐treated patients (94.4%) and in all 9 placebo‐treated patients (100%). There were no infection‐related serious adverse events. Hypersensitivity and injection site reactions were more common, and more patients withdrew due to AEs, in the atacicept group. Median reductions in Ig levels from baseline to week 32 were greater with atacicept (median change in IgG −31.2%, IgM −60.9%, and IgA −56.4%) than with placebo (median change in IgG −4.4%, IgM −15.9%, and IgA −8.2%). Peripheral B cell numbers remained low in all patients after rituximab‐mediated B cell depletion, limiting comparison of time to recovery between treatment groups. There were no between‐group differences in ACR20, ACR50, and ACR70 response rates. Conclusion In this exploratory trial, atacicept in combination with rituximab showed no new safety issues. Peripheral B cell counts remained too low to determine whether atacicept delayed B cell re‐expansion following rituximab‐mediated depletion. Despite clear biologic effects, adding atacicept to rituximab in patients with active RA was not associated with clinical benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - S Wax
- EMD Serono, Inc., Rockland, Massachusetts
| | - Y Li
- EMD Serono, Inc., Rockland, Massachusetts
| | - P P Tak
- Academic Medical Center and University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK, and GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, UK
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Delli K, Haacke EA, Kroese FGM, Pollard RP, Ihrler S, van der Vegt B, Vissink A, Bootsma H, Spijkervet FKL. Towards personalised treatment in primary Sjögren's syndrome: baseline parotid histopathology predicts responsiveness to rituximab treatment. Ann Rheum Dis 2016; 75:1933-1938. [PMID: 26757748 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2015-208304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2015] [Accepted: 12/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aims of this study were (1) to assess the effect of rituximab (RTX; anti-CD20) treatment in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) based on sequential parotid biopsies obtained in a placebo-controlled, randomised clinical trial, and (2) to assess the prognostic value of the histological characteristics of parotid gland tissue with regard to responsiveness to RTX treatment. METHODS In a double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial, sequential parotid gland biopsies were taken from 20 RTX-treated and 10 placebo-treated patients with pSS, at baseline and 12 weeks after treatment. The relative amount of lymphocytic infiltrate (stained for CD45), absolute number of T cells and B cells per mm2 parenchyma (stained for CD3 and CD20, respectively), focus score, number of germinal centres and of lymphoepithelial lesions per mm2 in parotid gland parenchyma were assessed. Histopathological data were compared between clinical responders (decrease in European League Against Rheumatism Sjögren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI) score of ≥3 at 12 weeks compared with baseline) and non-responders (change in ESSDAI<3) to RTX treatment. RESULTS In RTX-treated patients, a significant reduction in the number of CD20+ B cells/mm2 parenchyma was observed, while no such reduction was observed in placebo-treated patients. The number of CD3+ T cells/mm2 in parenchyma did not change in either group. Furthermore, the number and the severity of lymphoepithelial lesions/mm2 and number of germinal centres/mm2 was significantly reduced in RTX-treated patients, but did not change in placebo-treated patients. When comparing the pretreatment characteristics of clinical responders with non-responders, the median number of CD20+ B cells/mm2 parenchyma at baseline was significantly higher in responders (1871 vs 353 cells/mm2, p<0.05). Other histopathological baseline characteristics were not predictive for response to RTX treatment. CONCLUSIONS RTX treatment in pSS leads to a major reduction of lymphocytic infiltration and to fewer B cells, germinal centres and lymphoepithelial lesions in parotid gland parenchyma. A high pretreatment number of CD20+ B cells/mm2 parotid gland parenchyma predicts better responsiveness of patients with pSS to RTX treatment. Pretreatment parotid gland histopathological characteristics could therefore contribute to a more personalised treatment approach to pSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantina Delli
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Erlin A Haacke
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Frans G M Kroese
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Rodney P Pollard
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Stephan Ihrler
- Laboratory for Dermatohistology & Oral Pathology, Munich, Germany
| | - Bert van der Vegt
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Arjan Vissink
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Hendrika Bootsma
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Frederik K L Spijkervet
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Cascão R, Vidal B, Lopes IP, Paisana E, Rino J, Moita LF, Fonseca JE. Decrease of CD68 Synovial Macrophages in Celastrol Treated Arthritic Rats. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0142448. [PMID: 26658436 PMCID: PMC4676706 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0142448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 10/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease characterized by cellular infiltration into the joints, hyperproliferation of synovial cells and bone damage. Available treatments for RA only induce remission in around 30% of the patients, have important adverse effects and its use is limited by their high cost. Therefore, compounds that can control arthritis, with an acceptable safety profile and low production costs are still an unmet need. We have shown, in vitro, that celastrol inhibits both IL-1β and TNF, which play an important role in RA, and, in vivo, that celastrol has significant anti-inflammatory properties. Our main goal in this work was to test the effect of celastrol in the number of sublining CD68 macrophages (a biomarker of therapeutic response for novel RA treatments) and on the overall synovial tissue cellularity and joint structure in the adjuvant-induced rat model of arthritis (AIA). Methods Celastrol was administered to AIA rats both in the early (4 days after disease induction) and late (11 days after disease induction) phases of arthritis development. The inflammatory score, ankle perimeter and body weight were evaluated during treatment period. Rats were sacrificed after 22 days of disease progression and blood, internal organs and paw samples were collected for toxicological blood parameters and serum proinflammatory cytokine quantification, as well as histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation, respectively. Results Here we report that celastrol significantly decreases the number of sublining CD68 macrophages and the overall synovial inflammatory cellularity, and halted joint destruction without side effects. Conclusions Our results validate celastrol as a promising compound for the treatment of arthritis.
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MESH Headings
- Adjuvants, Immunologic
- Animals
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology
- Antigens, CD/genetics
- Antigens, CD/immunology
- Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic/genetics
- Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic/immunology
- Arthritis, Experimental/chemically induced
- Arthritis, Experimental/drug therapy
- Arthritis, Experimental/genetics
- Arthritis, Experimental/immunology
- Arthritis, Rheumatoid/drug therapy
- Arthritis, Rheumatoid/genetics
- Arthritis, Rheumatoid/immunology
- Arthritis, Rheumatoid/pathology
- Cell Count
- Female
- Gene Expression
- Humans
- Injections, Intraperitoneal
- Interleukin-1beta/genetics
- Interleukin-1beta/immunology
- Macrophages/drug effects
- Macrophages/immunology
- Macrophages/pathology
- Pentacyclic Triterpenes
- Rats
- Rats, Wistar
- Synovial Membrane/drug effects
- Synovial Membrane/immunology
- Synovial Membrane/pathology
- Treatment Outcome
- Triterpenes/pharmacology
- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/genetics
- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Cascão
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- * E-mail:
| | - Bruno Vidal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Inês P. Lopes
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Eunice Paisana
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - José Rino
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - João E. Fonseca
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Rheumatology Department, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Norte, EPE, Hospital de Santa Maria, Lisbon Academic Medical Centre, Lisbon, Portugal
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Cornec D, Costa S, Devauchelle-Pensec V, Jousse-Joulin S, Marcorelles P, Berthelot JM, Chiche L, Hachulla E, Hatron PY, Goeb V, Vittecoq O, Saraux A, Pers JO. Blood and salivary-gland BAFF-driven B-cell hyperactivity is associated to rituximab inefficacy in primary Sjögren's syndrome. J Autoimmun 2015; 67:102-110. [PMID: 26688003 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2015.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Revised: 11/12/2015] [Accepted: 11/25/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine whether B-cell markers (blood and minor salivary gland [SG] B-cell depletion [BCD], autoantibodies, B-cell-activating factor [BAFF]) are associated with clinical response to rituximab in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). METHODS 45 patients with pSS were included: in group I, 14 received low-dose rituximab (two 375-mg/m(2) infusions) in an open-labelled study; in group II, 17 received full-dose rituximab (two 1000-mg infusions) and 14 received a placebo in a randomized, controlled study. The proportion of SG B cells was assessed using pixel-based software analyses of digitized double-immunostained (CD3/CD20) whole SGs. Response was defined at week-24 according to the Sjögren's Syndrome Responder Index (SSRI)-30. RESULTS Response rate was 50% in both groups of rituximab-treated patients. Duration of blood BCD was similar in both groups despite the difference in rituximab dosage, and was highly correlated with residual serum-rituximab levels at week-16. SG B-cell dynamics mirrored blood B-cell levels, with a drastic decrease in SG B-cells at week-12 (group I), but an increase in ∼ 50% of patients in group II by week-24, in whom blood B cells had already returned. Duration of BCD was not associated with the clinical response, but responders had lower baseline proportions of SG B cells. Baseline serum BAFF level was correlated with the proportion of SG B-cells and other B-cell-activation markers, and was associated with the clinical response with higher levels in non-responders. CONCLUSIONS In pSS, half of the patients display an intense BAFF-driven B-cell activation and do not respond to a single course of rituximab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divi Cornec
- Service de Rhumatologie, Hôpital de la Cavale Blanche, CHRU Brest, Boulevard Tanguy Prigent, Brest 29609, France; EA2216, INSERM ESPRI, ERI29, Laboratoire d'Immunothérapies et Pathologies lymphocytaires B, Université de Brest, and Labex "IGO", Brest, France
| | - Sebastian Costa
- Laboratoire d'Anatomie Pathologique et Cytologie, Hôpital Morvan, CHRU Brest, Avenue Foch, Brest 29609, France
| | - Valérie Devauchelle-Pensec
- Service de Rhumatologie, Hôpital de la Cavale Blanche, CHRU Brest, Boulevard Tanguy Prigent, Brest 29609, France; EA2216, INSERM ESPRI, ERI29, Laboratoire d'Immunothérapies et Pathologies lymphocytaires B, Université de Brest, and Labex "IGO", Brest, France
| | - Sandrine Jousse-Joulin
- Service de Rhumatologie, Hôpital de la Cavale Blanche, CHRU Brest, Boulevard Tanguy Prigent, Brest 29609, France; EA2216, INSERM ESPRI, ERI29, Laboratoire d'Immunothérapies et Pathologies lymphocytaires B, Université de Brest, and Labex "IGO", Brest, France
| | - Pascale Marcorelles
- Laboratoire d'Anatomie Pathologique et Cytologie, Hôpital Morvan, CHRU Brest, Avenue Foch, Brest 29609, France
| | | | - Laurent Chiche
- Service de Médecine Interne, Hôpital Européen, Marseille, France
| | - Eric Hachulla
- Service de Médecine Interne, Claude Huriez Hospital, Université Lille Nord-de-France, Lille Cedex 59037, France
| | - Pierre-Yves Hatron
- Service de Médecine Interne, Claude Huriez Hospital, Université Lille Nord-de-France, Lille Cedex 59037, France
| | - Vincent Goeb
- Service de Rhumatologie, Hôpital Nord, CHU Amiens, Amiens 80054, France
| | - Olivier Vittecoq
- Service de Rhumatologie, CHRU de Rouen, Bois-Guillaume 76230, France
| | - Alain Saraux
- Service de Rhumatologie, Hôpital de la Cavale Blanche, CHRU Brest, Boulevard Tanguy Prigent, Brest 29609, France; EA2216, INSERM ESPRI, ERI29, Laboratoire d'Immunothérapies et Pathologies lymphocytaires B, Université de Brest, and Labex "IGO", Brest, France
| | - Jacques-Olivier Pers
- EA2216, INSERM ESPRI, ERI29, Laboratoire d'Immunothérapies et Pathologies lymphocytaires B, Université de Brest, and Labex "IGO", Brest, France.
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EXP CLIN TRANSPLANTExp Clin Transplant 2015; 13. [DOI: 10.6002/ect.2015.0126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Abstract
Rituximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody directed at the CD20 molecule on the surfaces of some but not all B cells. It depletes almost all peripheral B cells, but other niches of B cells are variably depleted, including synovium. Its mechanism of action in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is only partially understood. Rituximab was efficacious in clinical trials of patients with RA, including those who are methotrexate naïve, those with an incomplete response to methotrexate, and those with an incomplete response to tumor necrosis factor inhibitors. The need for a concomitant traditional disease-modifying drug, the optimal dose of rituximab, and the optimal interval for retreatment remain somewhat uncertain. Rituximab seems to be most efficacious in seropositive patients and those with an incomplete response to only one tumor necrosis factor inhibitor. Rituximab has a reasonable safety profile, with a small risk of serious infectious events, which is stable over time and repeat courses. Opportunistic infections are rare. Reactivation of hepatitis B remains a concern. The possible association of rituximab and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy may still require vigilance. Malignancies and cardiovascular events do not appear to be increased. Infusion reactions are more likely with the initial infusion, and are usually mild. Rituximab may cause hypogammaglobulinemia, but any risk of subsequent risk of increased infectious events is not yet well established. Before initiating rituximab, patient screening for hypersensitivity to murine proteins, infections, congestive heart failure, pregnancy, and hypogammaglobulinemia is imperative. Vaccinations should be administered prior to treatment whenever possible. Rituximab has been a significant addition to the rheumatologists' armamentarium for the treatment of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Edward Keystone
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- The Rebecca MacDonald Centre for Arthritis and Autoimmune Diseases, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada
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Visual Assessment of Chest Computed Tomography Findings in Anti-cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibody Positive Rheumatoid Arthritis: Is it Associated with Airway Abnormalities? Lung 2015; 194:97-105. [PMID: 26608346 DOI: 10.1007/s00408-015-9828-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2015] [Accepted: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We aimed to evaluate the association between specific anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (ACCPA) and pulmonary abnormalities in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) subjects. METHODS Computed tomography (CT) images of 83 subjects with RA were evaluated in a blind fashion. Enrolled subjects underwent autoantibody testing to determinate titer of ACCPA and rheumatoid factor, and pulmonary function testing. Visual CT assessment included lobar analysis for extent of semi-quantitative total interstitial lung disease score (ILDS) and each airway abnormality score (bronchiectasis, bronchial wall thickening, centrilobular nodules, and expiratory air trapping). Correlation tests, and simple and multiple regression analyses were performed to determine the relationship between the visual CT abnormalities, physiologic parameters, and autoantibody titers. RESULTS ACCPA-positive subjects had a greater extent and higher prevalence of small airway abnormalities including centrilobular nodules and air trapping compared to ACCPA-negative subjects (all p < 0.05). Bronchiectasis and bronchial wall thickening correlated with the ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 s and forced vital capacity (FVC) (r = -0.236 and r = -0.329, all p < 0.05), and ILDS correlated with FVC and the diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (r = -0.218 and r = -0.366, all p < 0.05). Bronchial wall thickening and air trapping correlated with ACCPA titers (r = 0.235 and r = 0.264, all p < 0.05). Air trapping and bronchial wall thickening were significantly associated with ACCPA titers. CONCLUSION In ACCPA (+) RA, visual CT assessment of large and small airways beyond RA-ILD, which is attributable to RA-related autoimmunity, can provide valuable information regarding airway abnormalities, regardless of the patients' physiologic airflow limitations.
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Turkkila M, Andersson KME, Amu S, Brisslert M, Erlandsson MC, Silfverswärd S, Bokarewa MI. Suppressed diversity of survivin splicing in active rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Res Ther 2015; 17:175. [PMID: 26160473 PMCID: PMC4702383 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-015-0689-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 06/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Alternative splicing distinguishes normal and pathologic cells. High levels of oncoprotein survivin recognise patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Here, we assess clinical relevance of alternative splicing of survivin in leukocytes of peripheral blood (PBMC) and bone marrow (BM) in RA patients. Method Transcription of survivin wild-type (survivin-WT), survivin-2B and survivin-ΔEx3 was measured in 67 randomly selected RA patients and in 23 patients before and after B cell depletion with rituximab. Analysis was done in relation to disease activity, anti-rheumatic treatment and serum levels of rheumatoid factor (RF) and survivin. Results Survivin-WT was the dominant splice variant equally expressed in T and B cells, while survivin-2B and survivin-ΔEx3 were higher in B cells. High disease activity (DAS28>5.1) was associated with an excess of survivin-WT and low ratios between survivin-2B/WT (p=0.035) and survivin-ΔEx3/WT in PBMC. Depletion of B cells by rituximab caused a decrease in survivin-WT (p=0.005) in PBMC, increasing the ratio between survivin-2B/WT (p=0.009) and survivin-ΔEx3/WT (p=0.001) in BM. This increase in survivin-2B/WT was associated with reduction in CD19+ BM cells (r=0.929, p=0.007), RF (IgM, r=0.857, p=0.024; IgA, r=0.739, p=0.021), and DAS28 (0.636, p=0.054). The increase in survivin-ΔEx3 in BM was associated with a reduction of CD19+ BM cells (r=0.714, p=0.058) and DAS28 (r=0.648, p=0.049), while survivin-ΔEx3/WT was associated with RF (IgG, r=0.882, p=0.016). Conclusion This study demonstrates that the suppressed diversity of survivin splicing in leukocytes may attribute to adverse self-recognition in RA. Depletion of autoantibody producing B cells improves the balance of survivin splicing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minna Turkkila
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg University, BOX 480, SE-40530, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Karin M E Andersson
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg University, BOX 480, SE-40530, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Sylvie Amu
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Nobels väg 16 FE280, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Mikael Brisslert
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg University, BOX 480, SE-40530, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Malin C Erlandsson
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg University, BOX 480, SE-40530, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Sofia Silfverswärd
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg University, BOX 480, SE-40530, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Maria I Bokarewa
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg University, BOX 480, SE-40530, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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Adlowitz DG, Barnard J, Biear JN, Cistrone C, Owen T, Wang W, Palanichamy A, Ezealah E, Campbell D, Wei C, Looney RJ, Sanz I, Anolik JH. Expansion of Activated Peripheral Blood Memory B Cells in Rheumatoid Arthritis, Impact of B Cell Depletion Therapy, and Biomarkers of Response. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0128269. [PMID: 26047509 PMCID: PMC4457888 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0128269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2014] [Accepted: 04/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Although B cell depletion therapy (BCDT) is effective in a subset of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, both mechanisms and biomarkers of response are poorly defined. Here we characterized abnormalities in B cell populations in RA and the impact of BCDT in order to elucidate B cell roles in the disease and response biomarkers. In active RA patients both CD27+IgD- switched memory (SM) and CD27-IgD- double negative memory (DN) peripheral blood B cells contained significantly higher fractions of CD95+ and CD21- activated cells compared to healthy controls. After BCD the predominant B cell populations were memory, and residual memory B cells displayed a high fraction of CD21- and CD95+ compared to pre-depletion indicating some resistance of these activated populations to anti-CD20. The residual memory populations also expressed more Ki-67 compared to pre-treatment, suggesting homeostatic proliferation in the B cell depleted state. Biomarkers of clinical response included lower CD95+ activated memory B cells at depletion time points and a higher ratio of transitional B cells to memory at reconstitution. B cell function in terms of cytokine secretion was dependent on B cell subset and changed with BCD. Thus, SM B cells produced pro-inflammatory (TNF) over regulatory (IL10) cytokines as compared to naïve/transitional. Notably, B cell TNF production decreased after BCDT and reconstitution compared to untreated RA. Our results support the hypothesis that the clinical and immunological outcome of BCDT depends on the relative balance of protective and pathogenic B cell subsets established after B cell depletion and repopulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana G. Adlowitz
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, 14642, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Barnard
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, 14642, United States of America
| | - Jamie N. Biear
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, 14642, United States of America
| | - Christopher Cistrone
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, 14642, United States of America
| | - Teresa Owen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, 14642, United States of America
| | - Wensheng Wang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, 14642, United States of America
| | - Arumugam Palanichamy
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, 14642, United States of America
| | - Ezinma Ezealah
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, 14642, United States of America
| | - Debbie Campbell
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, 14642, United States of America
| | - Chungwen Wei
- Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, 30332, United States of America
| | - R. John Looney
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, 14642, United States of America
| | - Inaki Sanz
- Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, 30332, United States of America
| | - Jennifer H. Anolik
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, 14642, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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97
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Coeliac disease and rheumatoid arthritis: similar mechanisms, different antigens. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2015; 11:450-61. [PMID: 25986717 DOI: 10.1038/nrrheum.2015.59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and coeliac disease are inflammatory diseases that both have a strong association with class II HLAs: individuals carrying HLA-DQ2.5 and/or HLA-DQ8 alleles have an increased risk of developing coeliac disease, whereas those carrying HLA-DR shared epitope alleles exhibit an increased risk of developing RA. Although the molecular basis of the association with specific HLA molecules in RA remains poorly defined, an immune response against post-translationally modified protein antigens is a hallmark of each disease. In RA, understanding of the pathogenetic role of B-cell responses to citrullinated antigens, including vimentin, fibrinogen and α-enolase, is rapidly growing. Moreover, insight into the role of HLAs in the pathogenesis of coeliac disease has been considerably advanced by the identification of T-cell responses to deamidated gluten antigens presented in conjunction with predisposing HLA-DQ2.5 molecules. This article briefly reviews these advances and draws parallels between the immune mechanisms leading to RA and coeliac disease, which point to a crucial role for T-cell-B-cell cooperation in the development of full-blown disease. Finally, the ways in which these novel insights are being exploited therapeutically to re-establish tolerance in patients with RA and coeliac disease are described.
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98
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Boyle DL, Soma K, Hodge J, Kavanaugh A, Mandel D, Mease P, Shurmur R, Singhal AK, Wei N, Rosengren S, Kaplan I, Krishnaswami S, Luo Z, Bradley J, Firestein GS. The JAK inhibitor tofacitinib suppresses synovial JAK1-STAT signalling in rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis 2014; 74:1311-6. [PMID: 25398374 PMCID: PMC4431345 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2014-206028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2014] [Accepted: 10/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Objective Tofacitinib is an oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The pathways affected by tofacitinib and the effects on gene expression in situ are unknown. Therefore, tofacitinib effects on synovial pathobiology were investigated. Methods A randomised, double-blind, phase II serial synovial biopsy study (A3921073; NCT00976599) in patients with RA with an inadequate methotrexate response. Patients on background methotrexate received tofacitinib 10 mg twice daily or placebo for 28 days. Synovial biopsies were performed on Days -7 and 28 and analysed by immunoassay or quantitative PCR. Clinical response was determined by disease activity score and European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) response on Day 28 in A3921073, and at Month 3 in a long-term extension study (A3921024; NCT00413699). Results Tofacitinib exposure led to EULAR moderate to good responses (11/14 patients), while placebo was ineffective (1/14 patients) on Day 28. Tofacitinib treatment significantly reduced synovial mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and MMP-3 (p<0.05) and chemokines CCL2, CXCL10 and CXCL13 (p<0.05). No overall changes were observed in synovial inflammation score or the presence of T cells, B cells or macrophages. Changes in synovial phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) and STAT3 strongly correlated with 4-month clinical responses (p<0.002). Tofacitinib significantly decreased plasma CXCL10 (p<0.005) at Day 28 compared with placebo. Conclusions Tofacitinib reduces metalloproteinase and interferon-regulated gene expression in rheumatoid synovium, and clinical improvement correlates with reductions in STAT1 and STAT3 phosphorylation. JAK1-mediated interferon and interleukin-6 signalling likely play a key role in the synovial response. Trial registration number NCT00976599.
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Affiliation(s)
- D L Boyle
- University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, California, USA
| | - K Soma
- Pfizer Inc, Groton, Connecticut, USA
| | - J Hodge
- Pfizer Inc, New York, New York, USA
| | - A Kavanaugh
- University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, California, USA
| | - D Mandel
- Office of David R Mandel MD, Inc., Mayfield Village, Ohio, USA
| | - P Mease
- Swedish Medical Center and University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - R Shurmur
- Bronson Internal Medicine and Rheumatology, Battle Creek, Michigan, USA
| | - A K Singhal
- Southwest Rheumatology Research LLC, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - N Wei
- Arthritis Treatment Center, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - S Rosengren
- University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, California, USA
| | - I Kaplan
- Pfizer Inc, Groton, Connecticut, USA
| | | | - Z Luo
- Pfizer Inc, Shanghai, China
| | - J Bradley
- Pfizer Inc, Groton, Connecticut, USA
| | - G S Firestein
- University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, California, USA
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99
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Longitudinal analysis of T and B cell phenotype and function in renal transplant recipients with or without rituximab induction therapy. PLoS One 2014; 9:e112658. [PMID: 25393622 PMCID: PMC4231065 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0112658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Accepted: 10/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Prevention of rejection after renal transplantation requires treatment with immunosuppressive drugs. Data on their in vivo effects on T- and B-cell phenotype and function are limited. Methods In a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study to prevent renal allograft rejection, patients were treated with tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), steroids, and a single dose of rituximab or placebo during transplant surgery. In a subset of patients, we analyzed the number and phenotype of peripheral T and B cells by multiparameter flow cytometry before transplantation, and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after transplantation. Results In patients treated with tacrolimus/MMF/steroids the proportion of central memory CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was higher at 3 months post-transplant compared to pre-transplant levels. In addition, the ratio between the percentage of central memory CD4+ and CD4+ regulatory T cells was significantly higher up to 24 months post-transplant compared to pre-transplant levels. Interestingly, treatment with tacrolimus/MMF/steroids resulted in a shift toward a more memory-like B-cell phenotype post-transplant. Addition of a single dose of rituximab resulted in a long-lasting B-cell depletion. At 12 months post-transplant, the small fraction of repopulated B cells consisted of a high percentage of transitional B cells. Rituximab treatment had no effect on the T-cell phenotype and function post-transplant. Conclusions Renal transplant recipients treated with tacrolimus/MMF/steroids show an altered memory T and B-cell compartment post-transplant. Additional B-cell depletion by rituximab leads to a relative increase of transitional and memory-like B cells, without affecting T-cell phenotype and function. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00565331
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100
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Díaz-Torné C, Ortiz de Juana MA, Geli C, Cantó E, Laiz A, Corominas H, Casademont J, de Llobet JM, Juárez C, Díaz-López C, Vidal S. Rituximab-induced interleukin-15 reduction associated with clinical improvement in rheumatoid arthritis. Immunology 2014; 142:354-62. [PMID: 24219764 DOI: 10.1111/imm.12212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2013] [Revised: 10/24/2013] [Accepted: 11/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Rituximab therapy alters all aspects of B-cell participation in the disturbed immune response of rheumatoid arthritis patients. To determine the impact of B-cell depletion on other immune compartments, we analysed levels of soluble and surface interleukin-15 (IL-15) along with the frequency of IL-15-related subsets after rituximab treatment. We then studied the correlation of observed changes with clinical activity. Heparinized blood samples from 33 rheumatoid arthritis patients were collected on days 0, 30, 90 and 180 after each of three rituximab cycles. Serum cytokine levels were determined by ELISA. Interleukin-15 trans-presentation was analysed by cytometry. Flow cytometry with monoclonal antibodies was performed to analyse circulating cell subsets. Interleukin-15 was detected in the serum of 25 patients before initiating the treatment. Rituximab then progressively reduced serum IL-15 (138 ± 21 pg/ml at baseline, 48 ± 18 pg/ml after third cycle, P = 0·03) along with IL-17 (1197 ± 203 pg/ml at baseline, 623 ± 213 pg/ml after third cycle, P = 0·03) and tended to increase the frequency of circulating regulatory T cells (3·1 ± 1 cells/μl at baseline, 7·7 ± 2 cells/μl after third cycle). Rituximab also significantly decreased IL-15 trans-presentation on surface monocytes of patients negative for IL-15 serum (mean fluorescence intensity: 4·82 ± 1·30 at baseline, 1·42 ± 0·69 after third cycle P = 0·05). Reduction of serum IL-15 was associated with decrease in CD8(+) CD45RO(+) /RA(+) ratio (1·17 ± 0·21 at baseline, 0·36 ± 0·06 at third cycle, P = 0·02). DAS28, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein correlated significantly with CD8(+) CD45RO(+) /RA(+) ratio (R = 0·323, R = 0·357, R = 0·369 respectively, P < 0·001). Our results suggest that sustained clinical improvement after rituximab treatment is associated with IL-15/memory T-cell-related mechanisms beyond circulating B cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- César Díaz-Torné
- Rheumatology Unit, Internal Medicine Department Hospital Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
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