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Cheng X, Meng X, Chen R, Song Z, Li S, Wei S, Lv H, Zhang S, Tang H, Jiang Y, Zhang R. The molecular subtypes of autoimmune diseases. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:1348-1363. [PMID: 38596313 PMCID: PMC11001648 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2024.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases (ADs) are characterized by their complexity and a wide range of clinical differences. Despite patients presenting with similar symptoms and disease patterns, their reactions to treatments may vary. The current approach of personalized medicine, which relies on molecular data, is seen as an effective method to address the variability in these diseases. This review examined the pathologic classification of ADs, such as multiple sclerosis and lupus nephritis, over time. Acknowledging the limitations inherent in pathologic classification, the focus shifted to molecular classification to achieve a deeper insight into disease heterogeneity. The study outlined the established methods and findings from the molecular classification of ADs, categorizing systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) into four subtypes, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) into two, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) into three, and multiple sclerosis (MS) into a single subtype. It was observed that the high inflammation subtype of IBD, the RA inflammation subtype, and the MS "inflammation & EGF" subtype share similarities. These subtypes all display a consistent pattern of inflammation that is primarily driven by the activation of the JAK-STAT pathway, with the effective drugs being those that target this signaling pathway. Additionally, by identifying markers that are uniquely associated with the various subtypes within the same disease, the study was able to describe the differences between subtypes in detail. The findings are expected to contribute to the development of personalized treatment plans for patients and establish a strong basis for tailored approaches to treating autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Zerun Song
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Shuai Li
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Siyu Wei
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Hongchao Lv
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Shuhao Zhang
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Hao Tang
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yongshuai Jiang
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Ruijie Zhang
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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Yin J, Zhao M, Xu X, Zhang M, Xu Z, Li Z, Qin X, Li Z, Zhao C, Zhou H, Ma Y, Cao W, Wang G, Lin Y, Zhang J, Zhang X, Cai H, Qian W, Wang Y, Zhang X, Liu G, Wang J, Qiu W, Min L, Li J, Deng H, Chu L, Zhang Y, Fang J. A multicenter, randomized, open-label, phase 2 clinical study of telitacicept in adult patients with generalized myasthenia gravis. Eur J Neurol 2024; 31:e16322. [PMID: 38726639 DOI: 10.1111/ene.16322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE This study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of telitacicept in patients with generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) who tested positive for acetylcholine receptor antibodies or muscle-specific kinase antibodies and were receiving standard-of-care therapy. METHODS Patients meeting the eligibility criteria were randomly assigned to receive telitacicept subcutaneously once a week for 24 weeks in addition to standard-of-care treatment. The primary efficacy endpoint was the mean change in the quantitative myasthenia gravis (QMG) score from baseline to week 24. Secondary efficacy endpoints included mean change in QMG score from baseline to week 12 and gMG clinical absolute score from baseline to week 24. Additionally, safety, tolerability and pharmacodynamics were assessed. RESULTS Twenty-nine of the 41 patients screened were randomly selected and enrolled. The mean (± standard deviation [SD]) reduction in QMG score from baseline to week 24 was 7.7 (± 5.34) and 9.6 (± 4.29) in the 160 mg and 240 mg groups, respectively. At week 12, mean reductions in QMG scores for these two groups were 5.8 (± 5.85) and 9.5 (± 5.03), respectively, indicating rapid clinical improvement. Safety analysis revealed no adverse events leading to discontinuation or mortalities. All patients showed consistent reductions in serum immunoglobulin (Ig) A, IgG and IgM levels throughout the study. CONCLUSION Telitacicept demonstrated safety, good tolerability and reduced clinical severity throughout the study period. Further validation of the clinical efficacy of telitacicept in gMG will be conducted in an upcoming phase 3 clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Yin
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mingming Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xianhao Xu
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Meini Zhang
- Department of Neurology, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Zucai Xu
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Zunbo Li
- Department of Neurology, Xi'an Gaoxin Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Xinyue Qin
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhuyi Li
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University of PLA (formerly known as the Fourth Military Medical University), Xi'an, China
| | - Chongbo Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongyu Zhou
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Ma
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Wenfeng Cao
- Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Nanchang, China
| | - Guoping Wang
- Department of Neurology, Anhui Provincial Hospital, Hefei, China
| | - Yongzhong Lin
- Department of Neurology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Jizhong Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Nanyang First People's Hospital, Nanyang, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Hongbin Cai
- Department of Neurology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Weidong Qian
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Yiqi Wang
- Department of Neurology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinghu Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Guangzhi Liu
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiawei Wang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Qiu
- Department of Neurology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lianqiu Min
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hui Deng
- Department of Neurology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lan Chu
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yifan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Jianmin Fang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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3
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Jakimovski D, Qureshi F, Ramanathan M, Keshavan A, Leyden K, Jalaleddini K, Ghoreyshi A, Dwyer MG, Bergsland N, Marr K, Weinstock-Guttman B, Zivadinov R. Lower arterial cerebral blood flow is associated with worse neuroinflammation and immunomodulation composite proteomic scores. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2024; 87:105687. [PMID: 38776599 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2024.105687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brain hypoperfusion is linked with worse physical, cognitive and MRI outcomes in multiple sclerosis (MS). Understanding the proteomic signatures related to hypoperfusion could provide insights into the pathophysiological mechanism. METHODS 140 people with MS (pwMS; 86 clinically isolated syndrome (CIS)/relapsing-remitting (RRMS) and 54 progressive (PMS)) were included. Cerebral arterial blood flow (CABF) was determined using ultrasound Doppler measurement as the sum of blood flow in the bilateral common carotid arteries and vertebral arteries. Proteomic analysis was performed using the Multiple Sclerosis Disease Activity (MSDA) test assay panel performed on the Olink™ platform. The MSDA test measures the concentrations of 18 proteins that are age and sex-adjusted. It utilizes a stacked classifier logistic regression model to determine 4 disease pathway scores (immunomodulation, neuroinflammation, myelin biology, and neuroaxonal integrity) as well as an overall disease activity score (1 to 10). MRI measures of T2 lesion volume (LV) and whole brain volume (WBV) were derived. RESULTS The pwMS were on average 54 years old and had an average CABF of 951 mL/min. There were no differences in CABF between CIS/RRMS vs. PMS groups. Lower CABF levels were correlated with the overall disease activity score (r = -0.26, p = 0.003) and with the neuroinflammation (r = -0.29, p = 0.001), immunomodulation (r = -0.26, p = 0.003) and neuroaxonal integrity (r = -0.23, p = 0.007) pathway scores. After age and body mass index (BMI)-adjustment, lower CABF remained associated with the neuroinflammatory (r = -0.23, p = 0.011) and immunomodulation (r = -0.20, p = 0.024) pathway scores. The relationship between CABF and the neuroinflammation pathway score remained significant after adjusting for T2-LV and WBV (p = 0.038). Individual analyses identified neurofilament light chain, CCL-20 and TNFSF13B as contributors. When compared to the highest quartile (>1133.5 mL/min), the pwMS in the lowest CABF quartile (<764 mL/min) had greater overall disease activity score (p = 0.003), neuroinflammation (p = 0.001), immunomodulation (p = 0.004) and neuroaxonal integrity pathway scores (p = 0.007). CONCLUSION Lower cerebral arterial perfusion in MS is associated with changes in neuroinflammatory/immunomodulation pathways and their respective proteomic biomarkers. These findings may suggest a relationship between the hypoperfusion and pro-inflammatory MS changes rather than being merely an epiphenomenon subsequent to lower energy demands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dejan Jakimovski
- Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA.
| | | | - Murali Ramanathan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Michael G Dwyer
- Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Niels Bergsland
- Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Karen Marr
- Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Bianca Weinstock-Guttman
- Department of Neurology, Jacobs Comprehensive MS Treatment and Research Center, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Robert Zivadinov
- Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center, Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA; Center for Biomedical Imaging at the Clinical Translational Science Institute, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
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Du X, Tian G, Lu X. Successful pregnancy in a patient with IgA nephropathy treated with telitacicept: a case report. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:432. [PMID: 38886682 PMCID: PMC11181617 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06632-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common cause of primary glomerulonephritis, with complex pathogenic mechanisms involving abnormal B-cell activation. As a novel biologic agent, telitacicept inhibits both B-lymphocyte stimulating factor and a proliferation-inducing ligand. It also inhibits both B cells and plasma cells and the production of galactose-deficient IgA1 (Gd-IgA1) and its autoantibodies, thus exerting an immunosuppressive effect. Women with IgAN are at a higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preeclampsia and miscarriage, especially those with uncontrolled massive proteinuria and advanced chronic kidney disease. Therefore, IgAN disease control before and during pregnancy is essential. Here, we report the case of a woman with IgAN who had a successful pregnancy with significant improvement and long-term remission after treatment with telitacicept. This is the first report of a pregnancy following exposure to telitacicept. CASE REPORT CONCLUSION This report describes the efficacy of telitacicept in patients with IgAN and explores its value in women of childbearing age, suggesting effective and safe treatment options for women who wish to conceive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinru Du
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Geng Tian
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xuehong Lu
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
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Liu Y, Zhu Y, Su Y, Deng M, Zhou X, Wang Q, Li S, Zhang P, Wu R. Response to telitacicept in systemic lupus erythematosus patients: a real-world, single-center observational study in China. Int J Dermatol 2024. [PMID: 38867445 DOI: 10.1111/ijd.17321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Yidan Liu
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yanshan Zhu
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yuwen Su
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Min Deng
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiao Zhou
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qiao Wang
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Siying Li
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ruifang Wu
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Ma C, Liu D, Wang B, Yang Y, Zhu R. Advancements and prospects of novel biologicals for myasthenia gravis: toward personalized treatment based on autoantibody specificities. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1370411. [PMID: 38881870 PMCID: PMC11177092 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1370411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an antibody-mediated autoimmune disease with a prevalence of 150-250 cases per million individuals. Autoantibodies include long-lived antibodies against the acetylcholine receptor (AChR), mainly of the IgG1 subclass, and IgG4, produced almost exclusively by short-lived plasmablasts, which are prevalent in muscle-specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK) myasthenia gravis. Numerous investigations have demonstrated that MG patients receiving conventional medication today still do not possess satisfactory symptom control, indicating a substantial disease burden. Subsequently, based on the type of the autoantibody and the pathogenesis, we synthesized the published material to date and reached a conclusion regarding the literature related to personalized targeted therapy for MG. Novel agents for AChR MG have shown their efficacy in clinical research, such as complement inhibitors, FcRn receptor antagonists, and B-cell activating factor (BAFF) inhibitors. Rituximab, a representative drug of anti-CD20 therapy, has demonstrated benefits in treatment of MuSK MG patients. Due to the existence of low-affinity antibodies or unidentified antibodies that are inaccessible by existing methods, the treatment for seronegative MG remains complicated; thus, special testing and therapy considerations are necessary. It may be advantageous to initiate the application of novel biologicals at an early stage of the disease. Currently, therapies can also be combined and individualized according to different types of antibodies. With such a wide range of drugs, how to tailor treatment strategies to patients with various conditions and find the most suitable solution for each MG profile are our necessary and urgent aims.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Ma
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Benqiao Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yingying Yang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ruixia Zhu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Lin J, Li Y, Gui M, Bu B, Li Z. Effectiveness and safety of telitacicept for refractory generalized myasthenia gravis: a retrospective study. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2024; 17:17562864241251476. [PMID: 38751755 PMCID: PMC11095194 DOI: 10.1177/17562864241251476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Refractory generalized myasthenia gravis (GMG) remains a substantial therapeutic challenge. Telitacicept, a recombinant human B-lymphocyte stimulator receptor-antibody fusion protein, holds promise for interrupting the immunopathology of this condition. Objectives This study retrospectively assessed the effectiveness and safety of telitacicept in patients with refractory GMG. Design A single-center retrospective study. Methods Patients with refractory GMG receiving telitacicept (160 mg/week or biweekly) from January to September in 2023 were included. We assessed effectiveness using Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America post-intervention status (MGFA-PIS), myasthenia gravis treatment status and intensity (MGSTI), quantitative myasthenia gravis (QMG), and MG-activity of daily living (ADL) scores, alongside reductions in prednisone dosage at 3- and 6-month intervals. Safety profiles were also evaluated. Results Sixteen patients with MGFA class II-V refractory GMG were included, with eight females and eight males. All patients were followed up for at least 3 months, and 11 patients reached 6 months follow-up. At the 3-month evaluation, 75% (12/16) demonstrated clinical improvement with MGFA-PIS. One patient achieved pharmacological remission, two attained minimal manifestation status, and nine showed functional improvement; three remained unchanged, and one deteriorated. By the 6-month visit, 90.1% (10/11) sustained significant symptomatic improvement. MGSTI scores and prednisone dosages significantly reduced at both follow-ups (p < 0.05). MG-ADL and QMG scores showed marked improvement at 6 months (p < 0.05). The treatment was well tolerated, with no severe adverse events such as allergy or infection reported. Conclusion Our exploratory investigation suggests that telitacicept is a feasible and well-tolerated add-on therapy for refractory GMG, offering valuable clinical evidence for this novel treatment option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Lin
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yue Li
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Mengcui Gui
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Bitao Bu
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhijun Li
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China
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Ouyang Y, Chen Y, Chen K, Tang Z, Shi G, Qu C, Zhang K, Yang H. Mendelian randomization and colocalization analysis reveal novel drug targets for myasthenia gravis. Hum Genomics 2024; 18:43. [PMID: 38659056 PMCID: PMC11040902 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-024-00607-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a complex autoimmune disease affecting the neuromuscular junction with limited drug options, but the field of MG treatment recently benefits from novel biological agents. We performed a drug-targeted Mendelian randomization (MR) study to identify novel therapeutic targets of MG. METHODS Cis-expression quantitative loci (cis-eQTL), which proxy expression levels for 2176 druggable genes, were used for MR analysis. Causal relationships between genes and disease, identified by eQTL MR analysis, were verified by comprehensive sensitivity, colocalization, and protein quantitative loci (pQTL) MR analyses. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis was also performed to extend targets, followed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to explore the serum level of drug targets in MG patients. A phenome-wide MR analysis was then performed to assess side effects with a clinical trial review assessing druggability. RESULTS The eQTL MR analysis has identified eight potential targets for MG, one for early-onset MG and seven for late-onset MG. Further colocalization analyses indicated that CD226, CDC42BPB, PRSS36, and TNFSF12 possess evidence for colocalization with MG or late-onset MG. pQTL MR analyses identified the causal relations of TNFSF12 and CD226 with MG and late-onset MG. Furthermore, PPI analysis has revealed the protein interaction between TNFSF12-TNFSF13(APRIL) and TNFSF12-TNFSF13B(BLyS). Elevated TNFSF13 serum level of MG patients was also identified by ELISA experiments. This study has ultimately proposed three promising therapeutic targets (TNFSF12, TNFSF13, TNFSF13B) of MG. CONCLUSIONS Three drug targets associated with the BLyS/APRIL pathway have been identified. Multiple biological agents, including telitacicept and belimumab, are promising for MG therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuzhen Ouyang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, China
| | - Kangzhi Chen
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, China
| | - Zhenwei Tang
- Department of Dermatology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310013, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guanzhong Shi
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, China
| | - Chunrun Qu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, China
| | - Kaiyue Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, China
| | - Huan Yang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, China.
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9
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Huang X, Lin F, Chen H. Efficacy and safety of telitacicept in patients with lupus nephritis: a single-center, real-world retrospective study. Clin Exp Nephrol 2024:10.1007/s10157-024-02501-x. [PMID: 38613741 DOI: 10.1007/s10157-024-02501-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telitacicept, an innovative drug used for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), can effectively control disease progression and achieve favorable outcomes. While case reports have mentioned the use of Telitacicept in lupus nephritis (LN) treatment, its safety and efficacy in treating patients with LN have not been explored. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Telitacicept in managing patients with LN. METHODS In a single-center, real-world retrospective study, 30 LN patients with poor response or adverse reactions to conventional glucocorticoids at our Hospital were enrolled to receive Telitacicept. Patients were administered 160 mg of Telitacicept subcutaneously once a week for at least 24 weeks in addition to standard treatment. We assessed the SLE responder index-4 (SRI-4) at the beginning and the end of the treatment period, measured laboratory test indicators at 3, 6, and 9 months, and observed the occurrence of adverse events in these patients. RESULTS The SRI-4 response rate was 86.67% (n = 26), with a significantly lower systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI) score compared to the baseline. Post Telitacicept treatment, glucocorticoid intake of patients with LN significantly reduced from 50 (IQR:40, 51.25) at baseline to 10 (IQR:5,10) at the endpoint (Z = - 6.547, p < 0.001). Patients with LN showed significantly improved urine occult blood levels after Telitacicept therapy. While the complement (C3 and C4) contents increased, immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA and IgM) reduced markedly (p < 0.001). The negative rate of dsDNA reached 26.67% and adverse events were alleviated post treatment. Only two cases of LN-related adverse reactions were reported, including herpes and infectious fever, respectively. Telitacicept primarily serves as an agent for the induction of remission therapy, with an attainment of complete remission rate standing at a commendable 73.3%. CONCLUSIONS Telitacicept treatment reduced disease severity in patients with LN. The initial clinical trial provided supportive evidence for the effectiveness and safety of Telitacicept as a viable treatment option for LN, allowing a reduction in the daily glucocorticoid intake while maintaining a good safety profile, and improving hypocomplementation in LN management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolu Huang
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhangzhou Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, No.59 Shengli West Road, Xiangcheng District, Zhangzhou, 363000, Fujian Province, China
| | - Fuan Lin
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhangzhou Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, No.59 Shengli West Road, Xiangcheng District, Zhangzhou, 363000, Fujian Province, China
| | - Hongpu Chen
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhangzhou Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, No.59 Shengli West Road, Xiangcheng District, Zhangzhou, 363000, Fujian Province, China.
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Ding Z, Tarlinton D. Chimeric antigen receptor T cells in the fast lane among autoimmune disease therapies. Clin Transl Immunology 2024; 13:e1502. [PMID: 38616983 PMCID: PMC11010258 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
In this commentary, we highlight recent studies demonstrating the feasibility and promise of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy in treating a number of autoimmune disorders including systemic lupus erythematosus and compare CAR T cells to other therapies aimed at depleting B-lineage cells in treating such diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhoujie Ding
- Department of ImmunologyMonash UniversityMelbourneVICAustralia
| | - David Tarlinton
- Department of ImmunologyMonash UniversityMelbourneVICAustralia
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Zhu QH, Zhou YL, Yang M, Yang BB, Cao WT, Yuan LM, Deng DQ. Reduced miR-99a-3p levels in systemic lupus erythematosus may promote B cell proliferation via NCAPG and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Lupus 2024; 33:365-374. [PMID: 38320572 DOI: 10.1177/09612033241232053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic lupus erythematosus is an immunologically dysregulated disease characterized by the presence of multiple autoantibodies. In SLE, B lymphocytes contribute to the dysregulated production of autoantibodies and cytokines. Recently, we discovered that miR-99a-3p binds to both EIF4EBP1 and NCAPG mRNA and that lowering miR-99a-3p can promote B cell autophagy in SLE by increasing EIF4EBP1 expression. However, the functions of miR-99a-3p and NCAPG in SLE have not been extensively investigated. OBJECTIVE This work aims to evaluate the levels of miR-99a-3p and NCAPG expression in SLE B cells and to determine whether the aberrant expression of miR-99a-3p and NCAPG contributes to the pathological mechanisms in SLE. METHODS B lymphocytes were obtained through immunomagnetic negative selection. Using RT-qPCR, miR-99a-3p and NCAPG mRNA expressions in B lymphocytes and in the BALL-1 cell line were measured. To determine the relative abundance of NCAPG, PI3K, p-PI3K, AKT, and p-AKT, we normalize them to the level of β-actin using Western blotting. Evaluation of miR-99a-3p and NCAPG's impact on cell proliferation was done utilizing CCK-8 assay. Using flow cytometry, the cell cycle and apoptosis were both measured. RESULTS Comparing SLE B cells to healthy controls, miR-99a-3p expression was significantly downregulated. Additionally, it was observed that SLE B cells had significantly higher NCAPG mRNA expression. Blocking miR-99a-3p expression in BALL-1 cells with an antagomir elevated NCAPG expression, facilitated PI3K/AKT pathway activation, improved cell proliferation, raised the fraction of S-phase cells, and prevented cell apoptosis. The opposite effects of upregulated miR-99a-3p levels on BALL-1 cells were observed by using an agomir. Furthermore, the effect of decreased miR-99a-3p expression on cell proliferation was partially mediated by elevating NCAPG levels and activating the PI3K/AKT pathway. CONCLUSION Our research indicates that lower miR-99a-3p expression in SLE B cells appears to boost B cell number via the NCAPG and PI3K/AKT pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Huan Zhu
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Ya-Li Zhou
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Meng Yang
- Department of Dermatology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Bin-Bin Yang
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Wen-Ting Cao
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Li-Mei Yuan
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Dan-Qi Deng
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
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12
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Sandeep, Shinde SH, Ahmed S, Sharma SS, Pande AH. Engineered polyspecific antibodies: A new frontier in the field of immunotherapeutics. Immunology 2024; 171:464-496. [PMID: 38140855 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The 21st-century beginning remarked with the huge success of monospecific MAbs, however, in the last couple of years, polyspecific MAbs (PsAbs) have been an interesting topic and show promise of being biobetter than monospecific MAbs. Polyspecificity, in which a single antibody serves multiple specific target binding, has been hypothesized to contribute to the development of a highly effective antibody repertoire for immune defence. This polyspecific MAb trend represents an explosion that is gripping the whole pharmaceutical industry. This review is concerned with the current development and quality enforcement of PsAbs. All provided literature on monospecific MAbs and polyspecific MAbs (PsAbs) were searched using various electronic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Elsevier, Springer, ACS, Google Patent and books via the keywords Antibody engineering, Polyspecific antibody, Conventional antibody, non-conventional antibody, and Single domain antibody. In the literature, there are more than 100 different formats to construct PsAb by quadroma technology, chemical conjugation and genetic engineering. Till March 2023, nine PsAb have been approved around the world, and around 330 are in advanced developmental stages, showing the dominancy of PsAb in the growing health sector. Recent advancements in protein engineering techniques and the fusion of non-conventional antibodies have made it possible to create complex PsAbs that demonstrate higher stability and enhanced potency. This marks the most significant achievement for cancer immunotherapy, in which PsAbs have immense promise. It is worth mentioning that seven out of the nine PsAbs have been approved as anti-cancer therapy. As PsAbs continue to acquire prominence, they could pave the way for the development of novel immunotherapies for multiple diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Suraj H Shinde
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Sakeel Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Shyam Sunder Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Abhay H Pande
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Mohali, Punjab, India
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Liao T, Shi X, Han F, Wang Y, Zeng W, Liu R, Yan Z, Xia R, Huang Z, Xu J, Miao Y. Blockade of BLyS inhibits B-cell responses and antibody production for the prevention of chronic transplant rejection. J Heart Lung Transplant 2024; 43:652-662. [PMID: 38070662 DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2023.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic rejection, closely related to the activation of B cells and donor-specific antibody (DSA) production, has unsatisfactory therapeutic outcomes. B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) is a major regulatory factor that controls the activation and differentiation of B cells. However, it remains unclear whether BLyS blockade can regulate B and plasma cells in the transplantation setting and affect chronic rejection. Here, we investigated the efficacy of the BLyS inhibitors belimumab and telitacicept in controlling B-cell response and preventing chronic rejection. METHODS The effects of belimumab and telitacicept on B-cell activation, differentiation, and antibody production in vitro were determined. A chronic rejection model in mouse was established by allogeneic cardiac transplantation with CTLA4-Ig treatment. Allograft survival, histology, DSA levels, and B-cell responses were analyzed to evaluate the chronic rejection-preventive effects of belimumab and telitacicept. RESULTS In vitro experiments confirmed that belimumab and telitacicept inhibited B-cell activation and differentiation and reduced antibody production. In vivo experiments indicated that they significantly prolonged allograft survival, attenuated chronic rejection through significant suppression of myocardial ischemic necrosis and interstitial fibrosis, and reduced DSA-IgG levels, C4d deposition, and inflammatory cell infiltration. Furthermore, the frequencies of B cells, plasma cells, and IgG-producing cells in the recipients' spleen, lymph nodes, bone marrow, and blood were decreased after BLyS inhibitors treatment. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated that belimumab and telitacicept inhibit B-cell responses and antibody production and alleviate chronic transplant rejection. Therefore, BLyS inhibitors are expected to be used for the prevention of chronic rejection in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Liao
- Department of Transplantation, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoyi Shi
- Department of Transplantation, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Fei Han
- Research Institute of Organ Transplantation, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuchen Wang
- Department of Transplantation, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenli Zeng
- Department of Transplantation, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Rumin Liu
- Department of Transplantation, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ziyan Yan
- Department of Transplantation, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Renfei Xia
- Department of Transplantation, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhengyu Huang
- Research Institute of Organ Transplantation, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jian Xu
- Department of Transplantation, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yun Miao
- Department of Transplantation, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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Zan J, Liu L, Li G, Zheng H, Chen N, Wang C, Xie D, Zuo L, Li R, Zhang P, Wang Y, Wang W, Li L, Fang J, Lv J, Zhang H. Effect of Telitacicept on Circulating Gd-IgA1 and IgA-Containing Immune Complexes in IgA Nephropathy. Kidney Int Rep 2024; 9:1067-1071. [PMID: 38765591 PMCID: PMC11101733 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2024.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Telitacicept, a transmembrane activator and cyclophilin ligand interactor (TACI) fusion protein targeting B cell activating factor and a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL), has proven efficacy in treating Immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy (IgAN). However, serum biomarkers that could predict the clinical response during the treatment remain unclear. Methods Plasma samples from 24 participants in the phase 2 clinical trial were collected at baseline and after 4, 12, and 24 weeks; with 8 participants in the placebo group, 9 in the 160 mg group, and 7 in the 240 mg group. We measured the levels of galactose-deficient-IgA1 (Gd-IgA1), IgA-containing immune complexes, C3a, C5a, and sC5b-9. The association between the changes in these markers and proteinuria reduction was analyzed. Results After 24 weeks of treatment, Gd-IgA1 decreased by 43.9% (95% confidence interval: 29.8%, 55.1%), IgG-IgA immune complex by 31.7% (14.4%, 45.5%), and poly-IgA immune complex by 41.3% (6.5%, 63.1%) in the 160 mg group; Gd-IgA1 decreased by 50.4% (38.6%, 59.9%), IgG-IgA immune complex decreased by 42.7% (29.5%, 53.4%), and poly-IgA immune complex decreased by 67.2% (48.5%,79.1%) in the 240 mg group. There were no significant changes in the circulatory C3a, C5a, or sC5b-9 levels during telitacicept treatment. Decreases in both plasma Gd-IgA1 and IgG-IgA or poly-IgA immune complexes were associated with proteinuria reduction. In turn, IgG-IgA or poly-IgA immune complexes showed a dose-dependent effect, consistent with proteinuria reduction during telitacicept treatment. Conclusion Telitacicept lowered both circulating Gd-IgA1 and IgA-containing immune complexes, whereas IgA immune complex levels were more consistent with decreased proteinuria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jincan Zan
- Renal Division, Peking University First Hospital Peking University Institute of Nephrology Key Laboratory of Renal Disease, Ministry of Health of China Key Laboratory of Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention and Treatment (Peking University), Ministry of Education. Research Units of Diagnosis and Treatment of Immune-mediate Kidney Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lijun Liu
- Renal Division, Peking University First Hospital Peking University Institute of Nephrology Key Laboratory of Renal Disease, Ministry of Health of China Key Laboratory of Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention and Treatment (Peking University), Ministry of Education. Research Units of Diagnosis and Treatment of Immune-mediate Kidney Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guisen Li
- Renal Division and Institute of Nephrology, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Sichuan, China
| | - Hongguang Zheng
- Department of Nephrology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Nan Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Institute of Nephrology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Caili Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospitals of Baotou Medical College, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, China
| | - Deqiong Xie
- Division of Nephrology, The Second People’s Hospital of Yibin, Yibin, China
| | - Li Zuo
- Department of Nephrology, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Rongshan Li
- Department of Nephrology, Shanxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Heping Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College, Shanxi, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | | | - Lin Li
- RemeGen Co., Ltd., Yantai Shandong, China
| | - Jianmin Fang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jicheng Lv
- Renal Division, Peking University First Hospital Peking University Institute of Nephrology Key Laboratory of Renal Disease, Ministry of Health of China Key Laboratory of Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention and Treatment (Peking University), Ministry of Education. Research Units of Diagnosis and Treatment of Immune-mediate Kidney Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Renal Division, Peking University First Hospital Peking University Institute of Nephrology Key Laboratory of Renal Disease, Ministry of Health of China Key Laboratory of Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention and Treatment (Peking University), Ministry of Education. Research Units of Diagnosis and Treatment of Immune-mediate Kidney Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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李 琳, 刘 海, 王 立. [Research advances on B-cell activating factor and its targeted agents in inflammatory bowel disease]. ZHONGGUO DANG DAI ER KE ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF CONTEMPORARY PEDIATRICS 2024; 26:315-320. [PMID: 38557386 PMCID: PMC10986372 DOI: 10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2309126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
B-cell activating factor (BAFF), a critical regulator of B cells, is involved in various autoimmune diseases. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic and recurrent intestinal inflammatory disorders with unclear etiology, and its global incidence has been increasing in recent years. Abnormal immune responses triggered by multiple factors are closely related to the pathogenesis of IBD. Previous studies have confirmed the association of B-cell abnormal activation and increased production of autoantibodies with the development of ulcerative colitis. However, the involvement of BAFF in the mechanisms of IBD remains unclear. This review summarizes the potential role of BAFF in the pathogenesis of IBD and provides an overview of targeted therapies on BAFF in IBD, aiming to contribute insights for targeted treatments of IBD.
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Cheung CK, Barratt J, Liew A, Zhang H, Tesar V, Lafayette R. The role of BAFF and APRIL in IgA nephropathy: pathogenic mechanisms and targeted therapies. FRONTIERS IN NEPHROLOGY 2024; 3:1346769. [PMID: 38362118 PMCID: PMC10867227 DOI: 10.3389/fneph.2023.1346769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN), characterized by mesangial deposition of galactose-deficient-IgA1 (Gd-IgA1), is the most common biopsy-proven primary glomerulonephritis worldwide. Recently, an improved understanding of its underlying pathogenesis and the substantial risk of progression to kidney failure has emerged. The "four-hit hypothesis" of IgAN pathogenesis outlines a process that begins with elevated circulating levels of Gd-IgA1 that trigger autoantibody production. This results in the formation and deposition of immune complexes in the mesangium, leading to inflammation and kidney injury. Key mediators of the production of Gd-IgA1 and its corresponding autoantibodies are B-cell activating factor (BAFF), and A proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL), each playing essential roles in the survival and maintenance of B cells and humoral immunity. Elevated serum levels of both BAFF and APRIL are observed in patients with IgAN and correlate with disease severity. This review explores the complex pathogenesis of IgAN, highlighting the pivotal roles of BAFF and APRIL in the interplay between mucosal hyper-responsiveness, B-cell activation, and the consequent overproduction of Gd-IgA1 and its autoantibodies that are key features in this disease. Finally, the potential therapeutic benefits of inhibiting BAFF and APRIL in IgAN, and a summary of recent clinical trial data, will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chee Kay Cheung
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
- John Walls Renal Unit, University Hospitals of Leicester National Health Service (NHS) Trust, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Barratt
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
- John Walls Renal Unit, University Hospitals of Leicester National Health Service (NHS) Trust, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian Liew
- The Kidney & Transplant Practice, Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, Singapore
| | - Hong Zhang
- Renal Division in the Department of Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Vladimir Tesar
- Department of Nephrology, First School of Medicine and General University Hospital, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Richard Lafayette
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
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Huang L, Qian G, Zhang H, Li Q, Chen L, Tang X, Zhao H. Efficacy of Telitacicept in a systemic lupus erythematosus patient with suboptimal response to Belimumab: A case report. Lupus 2024; 33:172-175. [PMID: 38081170 DOI: 10.1177/09612033231221911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
As a therapeutic treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Belimumab reduces disease relapses and minimizes organ damage. Clinical practice, however, shows that the treatment is ineffective for a number of patients. Treatments for such cases are still lacking. As a biologic agent that targets both BLys and APRIL, Telitacicept inhibits both B cells and plasma cells. This case report describes a 35-year-old female with lupus nephritis (LN) who had previously undergone 10 cycles of Belimumab treatment but remained poorly controlled. Despite this, her condition improved significantly after switching to Telitacicept. This is the first report on the efficacy of Telitacicept in an SLE patient with suboptimal response to Belimumab. Telitacicept's role in this scenario needs more investigation and attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Huang
- Nephrology Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Gangzhen Qian
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Center for Circadian Metabolism and Cardiovascular Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Huhai Zhang
- Nephrology Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qixuan Li
- Nephrology Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Liping Chen
- Nephrology Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaopeng Tang
- Nephrology Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongwen Zhao
- Nephrology Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Huang T, Pi C, Xu X, Feng Y, Zhang J, Gu H, Fang J. Effect of BAFF blockade on the B cell receptor repertoire and transcriptome in a mouse model of systemic lupus erythematosus. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1307392. [PMID: 38264661 PMCID: PMC10803406 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1307392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a heterogeneous autoimmune disease. Anti-B-cell-activating factor (BAFF) therapy effectively depletes B cells and reduces SLE disease activity. This research aimed to evaluate the effect of BAFF blockade on B cell receptor (BCR) repertoire and gene expression. Methods Through next-generation sequencing, we analyzed gene expression and BCR repertoire in MRL/lpr mice that received long-term anti-BAFF therapy. Based on gene expression profiles, we predicted the relative proportion of immune cells using ImmuCellAI-mouse, validating our predictions via flow cytometry and FluoroSpot. Results The loss of BCR repertoire diversity and richness, along with increased clonality and differential frequency distribution of the immunoglobulin heavy chain variable (IGHV) segment gene usage, were observed in BAFF-blockade mice. Meanwhile, the distribution of complementarity-determining region 3 (CDR3) length and CDR3 amino acid usage remained unaffected. BAFF blockade resulted in extensive changes in gene expression, particularly that of genes related to B cells and immunoglobulins. Besides, the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α responses and interferon (IFN)-α/γ were downregulated, consistent with the decrease in IFN-γ and TNF-α serum levels following anti-BAFF therapy. In addition, BAFF blockade significantly reduced B cell subpopulations and plasmacytoid dendritic cells, and caused the depletion of antibody-secreting cells. Discussion Our comparative BCR repertoire and transcriptome analyses of MRL/lpr mice subjected to BAFF blockade provide innovative insights into the molecular pathophysiology of SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Huang
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenyu Pi
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoqing Xu
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Feng
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingming Zhang
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hua Gu
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianmin Fang
- School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Biomedical Research Center, Tongji University Suzhou Institute, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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Zhao Y, Wang H, Jin L, Zhang Z, Liu L, Zhou M, Zhang X, Zhang L. Targeting fusion proteins of the interleukin family: A promising new strategy for the treatment of autoinflammatory diseases. Eur J Pharm Sci 2024; 192:106647. [PMID: 37984595 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2023.106647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
As a means of communication between immune cells and non-immune cells, Interleukins (ILs) has the main functions of stimulating the proliferation and activation of inflammatory immune cells such as dendritic cells and lymphocytes, promote the development of blood cells and so on. However, dysregulation of ILs expression is a major feature of autoinflammatory diseases. The drugs targeting ILs or IL-like biologics have played an important role in the clinical treatment of autoinflammatory diseases. Nevertheless, the widespread use of IL products may result in significant off-target adverse reactions. Thus, there is a clear need to develop next-generation ILs products in the biomedical field. Fusion proteins are proteins created through the joining of two or more genes that originally coded for separate proteins. Over the last 30 years, there has been increasing interest in the use of fusion protein technology for developing anti-inflammatory drugs. In comparison to single-target drugs, fusion proteins, as multiple targets drugs, have the ability to enhance the cytokine therapeutic index, resulting in improved efficacy over classical drugs. The strategy of preparing ILs or their receptors as fusion proteins is increasingly used in the treatment of autoimmune and chronic inflammation. This review focuses on the efficacy of several fusion protein drugs developed with ILs or their receptors in the treatment of autoinflammatory diseases, in order to illustrate the prospects of this new technology as an anti-inflammatory drug development protocol in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Zhao
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Anti-inflammatory Immune Drugs Collaborative Innovation Center, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Han Wang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Anti-inflammatory Immune Drugs Collaborative Innovation Center, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Lin Jin
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Anti-inflammatory Immune Drugs Collaborative Innovation Center, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Ziwei Zhang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Anti-inflammatory Immune Drugs Collaborative Innovation Center, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Lianghu Liu
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Anti-inflammatory Immune Drugs Collaborative Innovation Center, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Mengqi Zhou
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Anti-inflammatory Immune Drugs Collaborative Innovation Center, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Xianzheng Zhang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Anti-inflammatory Immune Drugs Collaborative Innovation Center, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China.
| | - Lingling Zhang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China; Anti-inflammatory Immune Drugs Collaborative Innovation Center, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China.
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Chen Y, Shi N, Lei X, Ren P, Lan L, Chen L, Wang Y, Xu Y, Lin Y, Chen J, Han F. The efficacy of rituximab plus belimumab or telitacicept in refractory lupus nephritis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2023:kead674. [PMID: 38145455 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Lupus nephritis is a severe and common complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The pathogenesis of lupus nephritis is characterized by B-cell activation and autoantibody formation. Rituximab and belimumab, as well as telitacicept, target B cells through different mechanisms, potentially exerting a synergistic effect in the treatment of lupus nephritis. This study aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of treatment with rituximab followed by belimumab or telitacicept in the management of refractory lupus nephritis. METHODS We conducted a single-center, open-label, retrospective study, including 25 patients with refractory lupus nephritis. All patients received combination therapy with rituximab in individualized dosages to achieve peripheral B-cell depletion, and then followed by belimumab or telitacicept. The follow-up period was at least 12 months, and the primary end point was renal remission rate at the last follow-up. RESULTS During a median follow-up of 19 (13, 29) months, 20 of 25 (80%) patients achieved objective remission (OR), including 19 (76%) patients achieved complete renal response (CRR). After rituximab (712 ± 416mg in average), 18 patients received belimumab and seven patients received telitacicept. In the rituximab plus telitacicept group, all patients achieved CRR; while in the rituximab plus belimumab group, 12 (66.7%) patients achieved CRR and 13 (72.2%) patients achieved OR. The mean SLEDAI-2K score decreased from 15 ± 6 to 6 ± 6, representing an average reduction of 60%. At the last follow-up, 18/25 (72%) had prednisone ≤ 5 mg/d or even discontinued prednisone use. Adverse effects were mainly immunoglobulin deficiency, respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infections, and rash. No death occurred. CONCLUSIONS Rituximab followed by belimumab or telitacicept may be effective in inducing remission in refractory lupus nephritis, with tolerable adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiting Chen
- Kidney Disease Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Prevention and Control Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Kidney and Urinary System Disease, Hangzhou, China
| | - Nan Shi
- Kidney Disease Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Prevention and Control Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Kidney and Urinary System Disease, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xin Lei
- Kidney Disease Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Prevention and Control Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Kidney and Urinary System Disease, Hangzhou, China
| | - Pingping Ren
- Kidney Disease Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Prevention and Control Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Kidney and Urinary System Disease, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lan Lan
- Kidney Disease Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Prevention and Control Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Kidney and Urinary System Disease, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liangliang Chen
- Kidney Disease Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Prevention and Control Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Kidney and Urinary System Disease, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yaomin Wang
- Kidney Disease Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Prevention and Control Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Kidney and Urinary System Disease, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Kidney Disease Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Prevention and Control Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Kidney and Urinary System Disease, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuxin Lin
- Kidney Disease Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianghua Chen
- Kidney Disease Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Prevention and Control Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Kidney and Urinary System Disease, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fei Han
- Kidney Disease Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Prevention and Control Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Zhejiang Clinical Research Center of Kidney and Urinary System Disease, Hangzhou, China
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Huang H. Immunotherapeutic approaches for systemic lupus erythematosus: early overview and future potential. MEDICAL REVIEW (2021) 2023; 3:452-464. [PMID: 38282801 PMCID: PMC10808868 DOI: 10.1515/mr-2023-0032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease. Current SLE therapies include immunosuppressants, antimalarial drugs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and corticosteroids, but these treatments can cause substantial toxicities to organs and may not be effective for all patients. In recent years, significant progress has been made in the treatment of SLE using immunotherapy, including Benlysta and Saphnelo. These advances in immunotherapy hold promise for SLE patients, providing new therapeutic options that may offer better clinical benefit and effectiveness. Simultaneously, several new biological therapies focusing on cytokines, peptides, targeted antibodies, and cell-based approaches are under clinical evaluation and have shown immense potential for the treatment of SLE. However, the complexity of SLE immunopathogenesis and disease heterogeneity present significant challenges in the development of effective immunological therapies. This review aims to discuss past experiences and understanding of diverse immunological targeting therapies for SLE and highlight future perspectives for the development of novel immunological therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongpeng Huang
- Experimental Pharmacology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
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22
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Yeo SC, Barratt J. The contribution of a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) and other TNF superfamily members in pathogenesis and progression of IgA nephropathy. Clin Kidney J 2023; 16:ii9-ii18. [PMID: 38053976 PMCID: PMC10695512 DOI: 10.1093/ckj/sfad200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis of immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) have led to the identification of novel therapeutic targets and potential disease-specific treatments. Specifically, a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of IgAN, mediating B-cell dysregulation and overproduction of pathogenic galactose-deficient IgA1 (Gd-IgA1). Animal and clinical studies support the involvement of APRIL in the pathogenesis and progression of IgAN. An elevated level of APRIL is found in IgAN when compared with controls, which correlates with the level of Gd-IgA1 and associates with more severe disease presentation and worse outcomes. Conversely, anti-APRIL therapy reduces pathogenic Gd-IgA1 and IgA immune complex formation and ameliorates the severity of kidney inflammation and injury. Genome-wide association studies in IgAN have identified TNFSF13 and TNFRSF13B, a cytokine ligand-receptor gene pair encoding APRIL and its receptor, respectively, as risk susceptibility loci in IgAN, further supporting the causal role of the APRIL signalling pathway in IgAN. Several novel experimental agents targeting APRIL, including atacicept, telitacicept, zigakibart and sibeprenlimab, are currently under investigation as potential therapies in IgAN. Preliminary results suggest that these agents are well-tolerated, and reduce levels of Gd-IgA1, with corresponding improvement in proteinuria. Further studies are ongoing to confirm the safety and efficacy of anti-APRIL approaches as an effective therapeutic strategy in IgAN.
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Affiliation(s)
- See Cheng Yeo
- Department of Renal Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Jonathan Barratt
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- John Walls Renal Unit, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
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23
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Jin HZ, Li YJ, Wang X, Li Z, Ma B, Niu L, Wang P, Pan HF, Li SD, Bao W, Wang G, Li XM, Chen Z. Efficacy and safety of telitacicept in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a multicentre, retrospective, real-world study. Lupus Sci Med 2023; 10:e001074. [PMID: 38007228 PMCID: PMC10679987 DOI: 10.1136/lupus-2023-001074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the efficacy and safety of telitacicept in the treatment of patients with SLE in everyday clinical practice. METHODS Seventy-two patients with active SLE who received telitacicept for more than 24 weeks at multiple centres in China between 2019 and 2022 were retrospectively identified. Twenty-one of these patients received 52 continuous weeks of treatment with telitacicept. Treatment outcomes were analysed separately according to whether patients had renal or haematological abnormalities. Trajectory analysis was performed to identify patients with a limited response. Factors contributing to a limited response were explored by multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS After treatment with telitacicept for 4, 12, 24 and 52 weeks, 22.22%, 54.17%, 72.22% and 80.95% of patients, respectively, achieved an SLE Responder Index 4; 8.33%, 26.39%, 34.72% and 47.62% achieved a Lupus Low Disease Activity State; and 0%, 4.17%, 8.33% and 23.81% achieved remission. Significant decreases in serum IgA, IgG and IgM levels were observed at 4 weeks and showed a downward trend at 12, 24 and 52 weeks. The median 24-hour urinary protein declined from 1323.5 mg to 224.0 mg in patients with lupus nephritis after treatment with telitacicept for 52 weeks. Furthermore, a large proportion of patients (10 of 13) with haematological abnormalities recovered after 52 weeks of treatment with telitacicept. No severe adverse events were reported during the observation period. Age appeared to have a negative impact on treatment efficacy. CONCLUSIONS Telitacicept demonstrated favourable efficacy and safety in patients with active SLE and improved the renal and haematological manifestations of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Zhi Jin
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yu-Jing Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Zhijun Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Bin Ma
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Fuyang People's Hospital, Fuyang, Anhui, China
| | - Lin Niu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Fuyang People's Hospital, Fuyang, Anhui, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Hai-Feng Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Si-Dong Li
- Institute of Public Health Science, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Wei Bao
- Institute of Public Health Science, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Guosheng Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xiao-Mei Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Zhu Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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24
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Mathur M, Chan TM, Oh KH, Kooienga L, Zhuo M, Pinto CS, Chacko B. A PRoliferation-Inducing Ligand (APRIL) in the Pathogenesis of Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy: A Review of the Evidence. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6927. [PMID: 37959392 PMCID: PMC10650434 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12216927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
A PRoliferation-Inducing Ligand (APRIL), the thirteenth member of the tumor necrosis factor superfamily, plays a key role in the regulation of activated B cells, the survival of long-lived plasma cells, and immunoglobulin (Ig) isotype class switching. Several lines of evidence have implicated APRIL in the pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy (IgAN). Globally, IgAN is the most common primary glomerulonephritis, and it can progress to end-stage kidney disease; yet, disease-modifying treatments for this condition have historically been lacking. The preliminary data in ongoing clinical trials indicate that APRIL inhibition can reduce proteinuria and slow the rate of kidney disease progression by acting at an upstream level in IgAN pathogenesis. In this review, we examine what is known about the physiologic roles of APRIL and evaluate the experimental and epidemiological evidence describing how these normal biologic processes are thought to be subverted in IgAN. The weight of the preclinical, clinical, and genetic data supporting a key role for APRIL in IgAN has galvanized pharmacologic research, and several anti-APRIL drug candidates have now entered clinical development for IgAN. Herein, we present an overview of the clinical results to date. Finally, we explore where more research and evidence are needed to transform potential therapies into clinical benefits for patients with IgAN.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tak Mao Chan
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China;
| | - Kook-Hwan Oh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea;
| | - Laura Kooienga
- Colorado Kidney and Vascular Care, Denver, CO 80012, USA;
| | - Min Zhuo
- Visterra, Inc., Waltham, MA 02451, USA;
- Division of Renal Medicine, Department of Medicine Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Cibele S. Pinto
- Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA;
| | - Bobby Chacko
- Nephrology and Transplantation Unit, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, NSW 2305, Australia;
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
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25
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Nie H, Chang S, Li Y, Li F. Biomarkers Associated with Drugs for the Treatment of Lupus Nephritis. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1601. [PMID: 38002282 PMCID: PMC10669579 DOI: 10.3390/biom13111601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The constant updating of lupus drug treatment guidelines has led to a question. How can the efficacy of treatment be more effectively monitored? Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease that often presents clinically with multi-organ involvement, and approximately 30% of patients with SLE develop lupus nephritis (LN). Therefore, it is important to better track disease progression and drug efficacy. Now, kidney biopsy is still the gold standard for diagnosing and guiding the treatment of LN, but it is invasive and expensive. If simple, non-invasive and effective biomarkers can be found, drug intervention and prognosis can be better monitored and targeted. In this review, we focus on LN and explore biomarkers related to LN therapeutics, providing clinicians with more possibilities to track the therapeutic effect of drugs, improve treatment options and assess patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiyu Nie
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Siyuan Chang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Fen Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
- Clinical Medical Research Center for Systemic Autoimmune Diseases in Hunan Province, Changsha 410011, China
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26
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Ren Y, Chen S, Yang H. Case Report: Telitacicept in treating a patient with NF155+ autoimmune nodopathy: a successful attempt to manage recurrent elevated sero-anti-NF155 antibodies. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1279808. [PMID: 37965304 PMCID: PMC10642300 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1279808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
This report presents a case of a neurofascin-155 (NF155)+ autoimmune nodopathy (AN) patient who exhibited resistance to conventional treatments but responded positively to telitacicept therapy. Telitacicept, a dual inhibitor of B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) and A proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL), suppressed the development and survival of plasma cells and mature B cells. The patient's unique clinical features were consistent with NF155+ AN, showing limited response to standard treatments like rituximab and a recurrent significant increase in anti-NF155 antibody titers. Administering telitacicept (160mg, ih) led to an improvement in clinical symptoms, inflammatory neuropathy cause and treatment (INCAT) scale and inflammatory Rasch-built overall disability scale (I-RODS), and stabilized anti-NF155 antibody levels without a rebound. This case demonstrates telitacicept as a potential novel therapy for NF155+ AN, particularly when conventional treatments fail. Further investigation into its safety, efficacy, dosage, and treatment cycle in NF155+ AN is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Huan Yang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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27
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Tian M, Tang L. Good efficacy achieved by telitacicept, corticosteroids and immunosuppressants in the treatment of SLE combined with MOG-AD. Rheumatol Adv Pract 2023; 7:rkad088. [PMID: 37937177 PMCID: PMC10627278 DOI: 10.1093/rap/rkad088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mengxue Tian
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lin Tang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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28
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Zhang L, Jin H, Wang D, Wang Y. Case report: Successful treatment of refractory membranous nephropathy with telitacicept. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1268929. [PMID: 37915584 PMCID: PMC10616774 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1268929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite various treatment methods, the remission rate of membranous nephropathy remains limited. Refractory membranous nephropathy especially lacks effective treatment plans. Telitacicept achieves comprehensive inhibition of CD20-positive B cells, plasma cells, and T cells, thereby bringing new hope to the treatment of membranous nephropathy and refractory membranous nephropathy. Here, we report a case of a 46-year-old man with membranous nephropathy. Although the combined treatment with glucocorticoid, tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab was not successful, the patient achieved complete remission of urinary protein after glucocorticoid combined with telitacicept. This is the first report on the application of telitacicept in the treatment of membranous nephropathy, especially refractory membranous nephropathy. The application of telitacicept in the treatment of membranous nephropathy deserves further attention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yiping Wang
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
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29
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Ma S, Feng G, Li L, Li Z, Zhou X, Zhou Y, Zhang R. Downregulation of circETS1 disrupts Th17/Treg homeostasis by inhibiting FOXP3 transcription: A new potential biomarker in systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus 2023; 32:1430-1439. [PMID: 37852297 DOI: 10.1177/09612033231207545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease associated with an imbalance of T helper 17 (Th17) to regulatory T cells (Tregs). However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Increasing evidence suggests that circular RNAs play a crucial role in SLE. Although circETS1 was discovered 30 years ago, detailed exploration of its functions remains limited. In this study, we measured the expression levels of circETS1 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and CD4+ T cells of patients with SLE by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The impact of circETS1 expression on the Th17/Treg balance and underlying mechanism were evaluated using double-luciferase reporter, gain-/loss-of-function, and rescue assays. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was conducted to assess the diagnostic value of circETS1. Both circETS1 and FOXP3 expression were downregulated in the PBMCs and CD4+ T cells of patients with SLE (n = 28) compared with those in the cells of healthy controls (n = 20). Mechanistically, we found that circETS1 can bind directly to the microRNA miR-1205, acting as a sponge to upregulate the transcription of FOXP3, thereby maintaining the Th17/Treg balance. Notably, ROC analysis showed that the expression level of circETS1 in PBMCs had an area under the curve of 0.873 (95% confidence interval: 0.771-0.976; p < .001) for diagnosing SLE, with a sensitivity of 80.00% and a specificity of 89.29%. Finally, we found negative correlations between the level of circETS1 in PBMCs and disease severity (according to the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index) in patients with SLE (r = -0.7712, 95% CI: -0.8910 to -0.5509; p < .001). The imbalance in Th17/Treg cells in SLE may be attributed, in part, to the circETS1/miR-1205/FOXP3 pathway. CircETS1 has potential to serve as a valuable biomarker for the diagnosis and evaluation of SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sha Ma
- Department of Rheumatology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Guofu Feng
- Department of Disease Control and Prevention, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Li Li
- School of Public Health, Dali University, Dali, China
| | - Zi Li
- Quality Management Department, Yunnan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Kunming, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhou
- Department of Disease Control and Prevention, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Ruixian Zhang
- Department of Disease Control and Prevention, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
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30
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Parodis I, Long X, Karlsson MCI, Huang X. B Cell Tolerance and Targeted Therapies in SLE. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6268. [PMID: 37834911 PMCID: PMC10573616 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12196268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease of high clinical and molecular heterogeneity, and a relapsing-remitting pattern. The disease is currently without cure and more prevalent in women. B cell tolerance and production of autoantibodies are critical mechanisms that drive SLE pathophysiology. However, how the balance of the immune system is broken and how the innate and adaptive immune systems are interacting during lupus-specific autoimmune responses are still largely unknown. Here, we review the latest knowledge on B cell development, maturation, and central versus peripheral tolerance in connection to SLE and treatment options. We also discuss the regulation of B cells by conventional T cells, granulocytes, and unconventional T cells, and how effector B cells exert their functions in SLE. We also discuss mechanisms of action of B cell-targeted therapies, as well as possible future directions based on current knowledge of B cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Parodis
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden;
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dermatology and Rheumatology, Karolinska University Hospital, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, 70281 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Xuan Long
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China;
| | - Mikael C. I. Karlsson
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Xin Huang
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China;
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31
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Wu L, Du X, Lu X. Role of telitacicept in the treatment of IgA nephropathy. Eur J Med Res 2023; 28:369. [PMID: 37737205 PMCID: PMC10515419 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-023-01320-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common primary glomerular disease in the world, and up to 40% of patients with IgAN develop end-stage renal disease (ESRD). At present, an increasing amount of evidence indicates that the pathogenesis of IgAN is related to autoimmunity. In recent years, several studies have shown that B cell activating factors (BAFF), also known as B lymphocyte stimulators (BLyS), and proliferation-inducing ligand APRIL are extremely important for the activation of autoimmune signalling pathways, which have become key targets for the treatment of IgAN. As a dual-target biological agent, telitacicept can inhibit both BLyS and APRIL cytokines, improve the function of renal immune complexes, and reduce haematuria and proteinuria, which play important roles in IgAN pathogenesis and long-term prognosis. This article reviews the role of telitacicept in IgA nephropathy and discusses its potential for use in the treatment of IgAN and other autoimmune diseases where pathogenesis is driven by B cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Wu
- The Second Hospital of Jilin University Nephropathy of Internal Medicine, Changchun, 130022 China
| | - Xinru Du
- The Second Hospital of Jilin University Nephropathy of Internal Medicine, Changchun, 130022 China
| | - Xuehong Lu
- The Second Hospital of Jilin University Nephropathy of Internal Medicine, Changchun, 130022 China
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Wang JL, Sun YL, Kang Z, Zhang SK, Yu CX, Zhang W, Xie H, Lin HL. Anti-phospholipase A2 receptor-associated membranous nephropathy with human immunodeficiency virus infection treated with telitacicept: A case report. World J Clin Cases 2023; 11:5309-5315. [PMID: 37621578 PMCID: PMC10445080 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i22.5309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The co-occurrence of Anti-phospholipase A2 receptor-associated membranous nephropathy (anti-PLA2R-MN) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a rare clinical scenario, presenting significant challenges in terms of management and treatment. CASE SUMMARY A 32-year-old Chinese male diagnosed with HIV infection presented with a clinical history of proteinuria persisting for over two years. A kidney biopsy demonstrated subepithelial immune complex deposition and a thickened glomerular basement membrane, indicative of stage I-II membranous nephropathy. Immunofluorescence staining revealed granular deposition of PLA2R (3+) along the glomerular capillary loops, corroborated by a strongly positive anti-PLA2R antibody test (1:320). Initial treatment involving losartan potassium, rivaroxaban, tacrolimus, and rituximab was discontinued due to either poor effectiveness or the occurrence of adverse events. Following a regimen of weekly subcutaneous injections of telitacicept (160 mg), a marked decline in the 24 h urine protein was observed within a three-month period, accompanied by a rise in serum albumin level. No significant reductions in peripheral blood CD3+CD4+T and CD3+CD8+T cell counts were detected. The patient's physical and psychological conditions showed significant improvements, with no adverse events reported during the treatment course. CONCLUSION Telitacicept might offer a potential therapeutic avenue for patients diagnosed with anti-PLA2R-MN concomitant with HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Ling Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Dalian Renal Care Hospital, Dalian 116000, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yan-Ling Sun
- Department of Nephrology, Dalian Renal Care Hospital, Dalian 116000, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Zhe Kang
- Department of Nephrology, Dalian Renal Care Hospital, Dalian 116000, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Sheng-Kun Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Dalian Renal Care Hospital, Dalian 116000, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Chun-Xin Yu
- Department of Nephrology, Dalian Renal Care Hospital, Dalian 116000, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Wan Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Dalian Renal Care Hospital, Dalian 116000, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Hua Xie
- Department of Nephrology, Dalian Renal Care Hospital, Dalian 116000, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Hong-Li Lin
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116000, Liaoning Province, China
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Dar S, Koirala S, Khan A, Bellary MD, Patel AV, Mathew B, Singh R, Baigam N, Razzaq W, Abdin ZU, Khawaja UA. A Comprehensive Literature Review on Managing Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Addressing Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Females and Its Autoimmune Disease Associations. Cureus 2023; 15:e43725. [PMID: 37727166 PMCID: PMC10505685 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.43725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
This review aimed to evaluate the mechanism of premature cardiovascular disease (CVD) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, particularly in the female population, and emphasize the need for early management interventions; explore the association between SLE and two autoimmune diseases, myasthenia gravis (MG) and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS), and their management strategies; and evaluate the effectiveness of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions in managing SLE, focusing on premenopausal females, females of childbearing age, and pregnant patients. We conducted a comprehensive literature review to achieve these objectives using various databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane. The collected data were analyzed and synthesized to provide an evidence-based overview of SLE, its management strategies as an independent disease, and some disease associations. The treatment should be focused on remission, preventing organ damage, and improving the overall quality of life (QOL). Extensive emphasis should also be focused on diagnosing SLE and concurrent underlying secondary diseases timely and managing them appropriately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saleha Dar
- Department of Adult Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, USA
| | - Sabina Koirala
- Department of Medicine, Gandaki Medical College, Pokhara, NPL
| | - Arooba Khan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Khyber Medical College, Peshawar, PAK
| | | | - Arya V Patel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Smt. Nathiba Hargovandas Lakhmichand (NHL) Municipal Medical College, Ahmedabad, IND
| | - Bejoi Mathew
- Department of Internal Medicine, Sri Devaraj Urs Medical College, Kolar, IND
| | - Rahul Singh
- Department of Medicine, Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, IND
| | - Nahida Baigam
- Department of Medicine, Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America (APPNA), Westmont, USA
| | - Waleed Razzaq
- Department of Internal Medicine, Services Hospital Lahore, Lahore, PAK
| | - Zain U Abdin
- Department of Medicine, District Head Quarter Hospital, Faisalabad, PAK
| | - Uzzam Ahmed Khawaja
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Jinnah Medical and Dental College, Karachi, PAK
- Department of Clinical and Translational Research, Dr. Ferrer BioPharma, South Miami, USA
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Li S, Ding L, Yang YJ, Yang XD. Telitacicept for minimal change disease. Kaohsiung J Med Sci 2023; 39:748-749. [PMID: 37440467 DOI: 10.1002/kjm2.12719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Shan Li
- Department of Nephrology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Lin Ding
- Department of Nephrology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yan-Jiang Yang
- Department of Nephrology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiang-Dong Yang
- Department of Nephrology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
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Fox RI, Fox CM, McCoy SS. Emerging treatment for Sjögren's disease: a review of recent phase II and III trials. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2023:1-14. [PMID: 37127914 DOI: 10.1080/14728214.2023.2209720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sjögren's Disease, SjD, is a systemic autoimmune disorder characterized by reduced function of the salivary and lacrimal glands. Patients suffer from dryness, fatigue, and pain and may present with or without extra-glandular organ involvement. Symptoms limit SjD patients' quality of life and are the most difficult to improve with therapy. SjD patients are heterogeneous and clustering them into biologically similar subgroups might improve the efficacy of therapies. The need for therapies that address both the symptoms and extra glandular organ involvement of SjD presents an unmet opportunity that has recently attracted a growing interest in the pharmaceutical industry. AREAS COVERED The goal of this report is to review recent phase II/III studies in SjD. To accomplish our goal, we performed a literature search for phase II/III studies and abstracts recently presented at conferences. EXPERT OPINION This review allows updates the reader on the multitude of recent phase II/III clinical trials. We speculate on how subtypes of SjD will drive future therapeutic targeting and inform pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert I Fox
- Scripps Memorial Hospital and Research Foundation, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Carla M Fox
- Scripps Memorial Hospital and Research Foundation, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Sara S McCoy
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Ringgold standard institution, Madison, United States
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Venturelli V, Isenberg DA. Targeted Therapy for SLE-What Works, What Doesn't, What's Next. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12093198. [PMID: 37176637 PMCID: PMC10179673 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12093198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
For many years, the failure of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) has prevented patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) from benefiting from biological drugs that have proved to be effective in other rheumatological diseases. Only two biologics are approved for SLE, however they can only be administered to a restricted proportion of patients. Recently, several phase II RCTs have evaluated the efficacy and safety of new biologics in extra-renal SLE and lupus nephritis. Six drug trials have reported encouraging results, with an improvement in multiple clinical and serological outcome measures. The possibility of combining B-cell depletion and anti-BLyS treatment has also been successfully explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Venturelli
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Ferrara, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S. Anna, 44124 Cona, Italy
| | - David Alan Isenberg
- Centre for Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University College London, London WC1E 6JF, UK
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Furman MJ, Meuth SG, Albrecht P, Dietrich M, Blum H, Mares J, Milo R, Hartung HP. B cell targeted therapies in inflammatory autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1129906. [PMID: 36969208 PMCID: PMC10034856 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1129906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Cumulative evidence along several lines indicates that B cells play an important role in the pathological course of multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitisoptica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) and related CNS diseases. This has prompted extensive research in exploring the utility of targeting B cells to contain disease activity in these disorders. In this review, we first recapitulate the development of B cells from their origin in the bone marrow to their migration to the periphery, including the expression of therapy-relevant surface immunoglobulin isotypes. Not only the ability of B cells to produce cytokines and immunoglobulins seems to be essential in driving neuroinflammation, but also their regulatory functions strongly impact pathobiology. We then critically assess studies of B cell depleting therapies, including CD20 and CD19 targeting monoclonal antibodies, as well as the new class of B cell modulating substances, Bruton´s tyrosinekinase (BTK) inhibitors, in MS, NMOSD and MOGAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moritz J. Furman
- Department of Neurology, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sven G. Meuth
- Department of Neurology, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Philipp Albrecht
- Department of Neurology, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Maria Hilf Clinic, Moenchengladbach, Germany
| | - Michael Dietrich
- Department of Neurology, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Heike Blum
- Department of Neurology, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jan Mares
- Department of Neurology, Palacky University in Olomouc, Olomouc, Czechia
| | - Ron Milo
- Department of Neurology, Barzilai Medical Center, Ashkelon, Israel
| | - Hans-Peter Hartung
- Department of Neurology, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Palacky University in Olomouc, Olomouc, Czechia
- Brain and Mind Center, Medical Faculty, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Lv J, Liu L, Hao C, Li G, Fu P, Xing G, Zheng H, Chen N, Wang C, Luo P, Xie D, Zuo L, Li R, Mao Y, Dong S, Zhang P, Zheng H, Wang Y, Qin W, Wang W, Li L, Jiao W, Fang J, Zhang H. Randomized Phase 2 Trial of Telitacicept in Patients With IgA Nephropathy With Persistent Proteinuria. Kidney Int Rep 2023; 8:499-506. [PMID: 36938094 PMCID: PMC10014376 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2022.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction To date, no specific therapies have been approved for immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) treatment. Telitacicept is a fusion protein composed of transmembrane activator and calcium-modulating cyclophilin ligand interactor and fragment crystallizable portion of immunoglobulin G (IgG), which neutralizes the B lymphocyte stimulator and a proliferation-inducing ligand. Methods This phase 2 randomized placebo-controlled trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of telitacicept in patients with IgAN. Participants with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) >35 ml/min per 1.73 m2 and proteinuria ≥0.75 g/d despite optimal supportive therapy, were randomized 1:1:1 to receive subcutaneous telitacicept 160 mg, telitacicept 240 mg, or placebo weekly for 24 weeks. The primary end point was the change in 24-hour proteinuria at week 24 from baseline. Results Forty-four participants were randomized into placebo (n = 14), telitacicept 160 mg (n = 16), and telitacicept 240 mg (n = 14) groups. Continuous reductions in serum IgA, IgG, and IgM levels were observed in the telitacicept group. Telitacicept 240 mg therapy reduced mean proteinuria by 49% from baseline (change in proteinuria vs. placebo, 0.88; 95% confidence interval, -1.57 to -0.20; P = 0.013), whereas telitacicept 160 mg reduced it by 25% (-0.29; 95% confidence interval, -0.95 to 0.37; P = 0.389). The eGFR remained stable over time. Adverse events (AEs) were similar in all groups. Treatment-emergent AEs were mild or moderate, and no severe AEs were reported. Conclusion Telitacicept treatment led to a clinically meaningful reduction in proteinuria in patients with IgAN in the present phase 2 clinical trial. This effect is indicative of a reduced risk for future kidney disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jicheng Lv
- Renal Division, Peking University First Hospital Peking University Institute of Nephrology Key Laboratory of Renal Disease, Ministry of Health of China Key Laboratory of Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention and Treatment (Peking University), Ministry of Education. Research Units of Diagnosis and Treatment of Immune-mediate Kidney Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lijun Liu
- Renal Division, Peking University First Hospital Peking University Institute of Nephrology Key Laboratory of Renal Disease, Ministry of Health of China Key Laboratory of Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention and Treatment (Peking University), Ministry of Education. Research Units of Diagnosis and Treatment of Immune-mediate Kidney Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chuanming Hao
- Division of Nephrology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guisen Li
- Renal Division and Institute of Nephrology, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Sichuan, China
| | - Ping Fu
- Department of Nephrology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China
| | - Guangqun Xing
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Shandong, China
| | - Hongguang Zheng
- Department of Nephrology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China
| | - Nan Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Institute of Nephrology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Caili Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospitals of Baotou Medical College, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, China
| | - Ping Luo
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin, China
| | - Deqiong Xie
- Division of Nephrology, The Second People's Hospital of Yibin, Yibin, China
| | - Li Zuo
- Department of Nephrology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Rongshan Li
- Department of Nephrology, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yonghui Mao
- Department of Nephrology, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shaoshao Dong
- Department of Nephrology, Wenzhou People's Hospital, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Heping Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College, Shanxi, China
| | - Huixiao Zheng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xingtai Medical College, Hebei, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Qin
- Department of Nephrology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China
| | | | - Lin Li
- RemeGen Co., Ltd., Yantai Shandong, China
| | | | - Jianmin Fang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- Jianmin Fang, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Hong Zhang
- Renal Division, Peking University First Hospital Peking University Institute of Nephrology Key Laboratory of Renal Disease, Ministry of Health of China Key Laboratory of Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention and Treatment (Peking University), Ministry of Education. Research Units of Diagnosis and Treatment of Immune-mediate Kidney Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Correspondence: Hong Zhang, Renal Division, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University Institute of Nephrology; Beijing, China.
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Cai S, Hu Z, Chen Y, Chen Y, Ming B, Gao R, Li Z, Ye C, Zhong J, Dong L. BLyS/APRIL dual inhibition for IgG4-RD: a prospective single-arm clinical trial of telitacicept. Ann Rheum Dis 2023; 82:881-883. [PMID: 36657954 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2022-223529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Shaozhe Cai
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ziwei Hu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yuxue Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Bingxia Ming
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Rongfen Gao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhen Li
- Department of Radiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Cong Ye
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jixin Zhong
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Lingli Dong
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Giovannini D, Belbezier A, Baillet A, Bouillet L, Kawano M, Dumestre-Perard C, Clavarino G, Noble J, Pers JO, Sturm N, Huard B. Heterogeneity of antibody-secreting cells infiltrating autoimmune tissues. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1111366. [PMID: 36895558 PMCID: PMC9989216 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1111366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The humoral response is frequently dysfunctioning in autoimmunity with a frequent rise in total serum immunoglobulins, among which are found autoantibodies that may be pathogenic by themselves and/or propagate the inflammatory reaction. The infiltration of autoimmune tissues by antibody-secreting cells (ASCs) constitutes another dysfunction. The known high dependency of ASCs on the microenvironment to survive combined to the high diversity of infiltrated tissues implies that ASCs must adapt. Some tissues even within a single clinical autoimmune entity are devoid of infiltration. The latter means that either the tissue is not permissive or ASCs fail to adapt. The origin of infiltrated ASCs is also variable. Indeed, ASCs may be commonly generated in the secondary lymphoid organ draining the autoimmune tissue, and home at the inflammation site under the guidance of specific chemokines. Alternatively, ASCs may be generated locally, when ectopic germinal centers are formed in the autoimmune tissue. Alloimmune tissues with the example of kidney transplantation will also be discussed own to their high similarity with autoimmune tissues. It should also be noted that antibody production is not the only function of ASCs, since cells with regulatory functions have also been described. This article will review all the phenotypic variations indicative of tissue adaptation described so for at the level of ASC-infiltrating auto/alloimmune tissues. The aim is to potentially define tissue-specific molecular targets in ASCs to improve the specificity of future autoimmune treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane Giovannini
- Department of Pathology, Grenoble University Hospital, Grenoble, France.,Translational Research in Autoimmunity and Inflammation Group (TRAIG), Translational Innovation in Medicine and Complexity (TIMC), University Grenoble-Alpes, CNRS Unité mixte de recherche (UMR) 5525, Grenoble, France
| | - Aude Belbezier
- Translational Research in Autoimmunity and Inflammation Group (TRAIG), Translational Innovation in Medicine and Complexity (TIMC), University Grenoble-Alpes, CNRS Unité mixte de recherche (UMR) 5525, Grenoble, France.,Department of Internal Medicine, Grenoble University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Athan Baillet
- Translational Research in Autoimmunity and Inflammation Group (TRAIG), Translational Innovation in Medicine and Complexity (TIMC), University Grenoble-Alpes, CNRS Unité mixte de recherche (UMR) 5525, Grenoble, France.,Department of Rheumatology, Grenoble University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Laurence Bouillet
- Translational Research in Autoimmunity and Inflammation Group (TRAIG), Translational Innovation in Medicine and Complexity (TIMC), University Grenoble-Alpes, CNRS Unité mixte de recherche (UMR) 5525, Grenoble, France.,Department of Internal Medicine, Grenoble University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Mitsuhiro Kawano
- Department of Rheumatology, Kanazawa University Hospital, Kanazawa, Japan
| | | | | | - Johan Noble
- Department of Nephrology, Grenoble University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Jacques-Olivier Pers
- B Lymphocytes, Autoimmunity and Immunotherapies, Brest University, INSERM, UMR1227, Brest, France.,Odontology Unit, Brest University Hospital, Brest, France
| | - Nathalie Sturm
- Department of Pathology, Grenoble University Hospital, Grenoble, France.,Translational Research in Autoimmunity and Inflammation Group (TRAIG), Translational Innovation in Medicine and Complexity (TIMC), University Grenoble-Alpes, CNRS Unité mixte de recherche (UMR) 5525, Grenoble, France
| | - Bertrand Huard
- Translational Research in Autoimmunity and Inflammation Group (TRAIG), Translational Innovation in Medicine and Complexity (TIMC), University Grenoble-Alpes, CNRS Unité mixte de recherche (UMR) 5525, Grenoble, France
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Selvaskandan H, Gonzalez-Martin G, Barratt J, Cheung CK. IgA nephropathy: an overview of drug treatments in clinical trials. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2022; 31:1321-1338. [PMID: 36588457 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2022.2160315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the commonest primary glomerulonephritis worldwide and may progress to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) within a 10-20 year period. Its slowly progressive course has made clinical trials challenging to perform, however the acceptance of proteinuria reduction as a surrogate end point has significantly improved the feasibility of conducting clinical trials in IgAN, with several novel and repurposed therapies currently undergoing assessment. Already, interim results are demonstrating value to some of these, offering great hope to those with IgAN. AREAS COVERED This review explores the rationale, candidates, clinical precedents, and trial status of therapies that are currently or have recently been evaluated for efficacy in IgAN. All IgAN trials registered with the U.S. National Library of Medicine; ClinicalTrials.gov were reviewed. EXPERT OPINION For the first time, effective treatment options beyond supportive care are becoming available for those with IgAN. This is the culmination of commendable international efforts and signifies a new era for those with IgAN. As more therapies become available, future challenges will revolve around deciding which treatments are most appropriate for individual patients, which is likely to push IgAN into the realm of precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haresh Selvaskandan
- John Walls Renal Unit, University Hospitals Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK.,Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | | | - Jonathan Barratt
- John Walls Renal Unit, University Hospitals Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK.,Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Chee Kay Cheung
- John Walls Renal Unit, University Hospitals Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK.,Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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Xie J, Fan X, Su Y, Zhou H, Cao S, Zhu X, Zhu M, He C, Wang Y, Fan L, Ge Q, Zhu J, Liu B, Chen X, Xie Y, Ma L, Liu Y, Chen J, Wang H, Li Z. Pharmacokinetic Characteristics, Safety, and Tolerability of Telitacicept, an Injectable Recombinant Human B-Lymphocyte Stimulating Factor Receptor-Antibody Fusion Protein, in Healthy Chinese Subjects. Clin Pharmacol Drug Dev 2022; 11:1273-1283. [PMID: 35844038 PMCID: PMC9796261 DOI: 10.1002/cpdd.1136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Telitacicept, an injectable recombinant human B-lymphocyte stimulating factor receptor-antibody fusion protein, is a new dual B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS)/APRIL (a proliferation-inducing ligand) inhibitor that effectively blocks proliferation of B lymphocytes. This study evaluates the pharmacokinetic characteristics, tolerability, and safety of a single subcutaneous injection of various doses (80, 160, and 240 mg) of telitacicept in healthy Chinese subjects. This trial is a single-center, randomized, open-label phase I clinical study that includes three dose groups (80, 160, and 240 mg) with 12 subjects in each dose group. The subjects were randomly assigned to different dose groups in a 1:1:1 ratio for a single subcutaneous administration trial. After a single dose, the maximum serum concentration (Cmax ) of total and free telitacicept was reached within 0.5-1 days. The elimination half-lives of total and free telitacicept at doses of 80-240 mg were 10.9-11.9 days and 11-12.5 days, respectively. The formation and elimination of the BLyS-telitacicept complex were much slower; the median time to Cmax was 15-57 days and was significantly prolonged with increasing dose. Only two of the 36 healthy subjects had positive antidrug antibodies with antibody titers of 1:15. The severity of adverse events was mild or moderate, and no higher treatment-emergent adverse events were reported. In conclusion, total telitacicept within a dose range of 80-240 mg and free telitacicept within a dose range of 160-240 mg had linear pharmacokinetic characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Xie
- National Institute of Clinical Drug TrialsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical CollegeBengbuAnhuiChina
| | - Xiaoyun Fan
- National Institute of Clinical Drug TrialsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical CollegeBengbuAnhuiChina,The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Yue Su
- National Institute of Clinical Drug TrialsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical CollegeBengbuAnhuiChina,School of Public FoundationBengbu Medical CollegeBengbuAnhuiChina
| | - Huan Zhou
- National Institute of Clinical Drug TrialsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical CollegeBengbuAnhuiChina,School of Public FoundationBengbu Medical CollegeBengbuAnhuiChina,School of PharmacyBengbu Medical CollegeBengbuAnhuiChina
| | - Shugang Cao
- National Institute of Clinical Drug TrialsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical CollegeBengbuAnhuiChina,The Affiliated Hefei Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefeiAnhuiChina
| | - Xingyu Zhu
- National Institute of Clinical Drug TrialsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical CollegeBengbuAnhuiChina,School of PharmacyBengbu Medical CollegeBengbuAnhuiChina
| | - Minhui Zhu
- National Institute of Clinical Drug TrialsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical CollegeBengbuAnhuiChina,School of PharmacyBengbu Medical CollegeBengbuAnhuiChina
| | - Cuixia He
- National Institute of Clinical Drug TrialsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical CollegeBengbuAnhuiChina,School of PharmacyBengbu Medical CollegeBengbuAnhuiChina
| | - Ying Wang
- National Institute of Clinical Drug TrialsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical CollegeBengbuAnhuiChina
| | - Ling Fan
- National Institute of Clinical Drug TrialsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical CollegeBengbuAnhuiChina
| | - Qin Ge
- National Institute of Clinical Drug TrialsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical CollegeBengbuAnhuiChina
| | - Juan Zhu
- National Institute of Clinical Drug TrialsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical CollegeBengbuAnhuiChina
| | - Bingyan Liu
- National Institute of Clinical Drug TrialsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical CollegeBengbuAnhuiChina
| | - Xiao Chen
- National Institute of Clinical Drug TrialsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical CollegeBengbuAnhuiChina
| | - Yunqiu Xie
- National Institute of Clinical Drug TrialsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical CollegeBengbuAnhuiChina
| | - Ling Ma
- National Institute of Clinical Drug TrialsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical CollegeBengbuAnhuiChina
| | - Yuanyuan Liu
- National Institute of Clinical Drug TrialsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical CollegeBengbuAnhuiChina
| | - Juan Chen
- National Institute of Clinical Drug TrialsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical CollegeBengbuAnhuiChina
| | - Huaxue Wang
- National Institute of Clinical Drug TrialsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical CollegeBengbuAnhuiChina
| | - Zhijun Li
- National Institute of Clinical Drug TrialsThe First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical CollegeBengbuAnhuiChina,The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
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Chlorogenic Acid Relieves the Lupus Erythematosus-like Skin Lesions and Arthritis in MRL/lpr Mice. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15111327. [DOI: 10.3390/ph15111327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is a phenylpropyl substance synthesized through the shikimic acid pathway. In addition to its anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant abilities, CGA also has immunomodulatory effects. The aim of the present study is to investigate the therapeutic effects of CGA on the skin damage and arthritis caused by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in an MRL/lpr mouse model. In the SLE model, female MRL/lpr mice at the age of 10 weeks old were treated with CGA daily or cyclophosphamide (CTX) weekly via intraperitoneal injection for three months. After treatment, CGA can significantly alleviate the skin and mucous membrane damage caused by SLE and has a certain improvement effect on arthritis. CGA could inhibit dsDNA expression to a certain extent but has no obvious regulation on ANA concentration. The ELISA and BioMAP results indicated that CGA might play an anti-inflammatory role by down-regulating the interleukin (IL)-17 level. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that CGA can alleviate multiorgan damage in MRL/lpr mice by reducing IL-17.
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Ciccia F, Gandolfo S. Will fecal microbiota transplantation eventually be an effective therapeutic strategy for systemic lupus erythematosus? Clin Immunol 2022; 242:109096. [PMID: 35973639 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2022.109096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Gut microbiota dysbiosis serves as a potential trigger that may contribute to metabolic and immune dysregulation that underlies the development of autoimmune diseases. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is restoration of disturbed microbiota by transplanting foreign gut microbiota from healthy individuals into the gastrointestinal tract of diseased individuals. In this issue of the Journal of Autoimmunity, Huang et al. conducted a 12-week, single-arm pilot clinical trial of oral FMT capsules in patients with active SLE. No serious adverse events (AEs) or deaths were observed and the rate of the primary endpoint (SLE Responder Index-4) was 42.12%. Alternations in bacteria, metabolites and immune parameters were linked to FMT treatment and clinical response in SLE patients. This is the first FMT trial in SLE patients and provides supportive evidence that FMT appears to be a safe, feasible and potentially effective treatment modality in SLE. We await future investigations conducting larger, randomized FMT clinical trials with a longer follow-up to confirm the long-term safety, effectiveness, and potential benefits of FMT-based intervention in SLE and to further demonstrate the underlying microbiological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Ciccia
- Department of Precision Medicine, University della Campania L. Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy.
| | - Saviana Gandolfo
- Rheumatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera San Giovanni Bosco, Naples, Italy
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Arbitman L, Furie R, Vashistha H. B cell-targeted therapies in systemic lupus erythematosus. J Autoimmun 2022; 132:102873. [PMID: 35963808 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2022.102873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease of unknown etiology that primarily affects women of childbearing age. There is no disease more heterogeneous than SLE as patients experience a myriad of manifestations and unpredictable periods of heightened disease activity. This heterogeneity not only makes it difficult for treatment decisions and prognostication, but has made drug development quite challenging. Despite these challenges, belimumab, voclosporin, and anifromulab, approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat SLE or lupus nephritis (LN), enhanced our armamentarium of traditional therapies, such as hydroxychloroquine, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressives. However, there remains a dire need to develop therapies that offer greater efficacy and safety. Patients with SLE produce excessive amounts of autoantibodies and cytokines that result in inflammation and organ damage. While a considerable number of potential drug development targets exist, there has been much attention focused on B cells. Strategies have included direct B cell killing, modulation of B cell function, inhibition of molecules essential to B cell growth and survival, and acceleration of autoantibody clearance, to name just a few. In this article, we review SLE clinical trials evaluating experimental agents that target B cells or plasma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah Arbitman
- Harpur College of Arts and Sciences, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, USA
| | - Richard Furie
- Division of Rheumatology Northwell Health and Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Great Neck, NY, USA
| | - Himanshu Vashistha
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Northwell Health, Great Neck, NY, USA.
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Ding J, Jiang X, Cai Y, Pan S, Deng Y, Gao M, Lin Y, Zhao N, Wang Z, Yu H, Qiu H, Jin Y, Xue J, Guo Q, Ni L, Zhang Y, Hao Y, Guan Y. Telitacicept following plasma exchange in the treatment of subjects with recurrent neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders: A single‐center, single‐arm, open‐label study. CNS Neurosci Ther 2022; 28:1613-1623. [PMID: 35851754 PMCID: PMC9437241 DOI: 10.1111/cns.13904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD), mainly mediated by B cells and AQP4 antibody, has a high rate of recurrence. Telitacicept is a novel drug specifically targeting the upstream signaling for the activation of B cell with its following production of autoimmune antibodies. Thus, it may be a promising approach. Our study preliminarily explored the potential safety and effectiveness of Telitacicept following plasma exchange in the treatment of recurrent NMOSD. Methods This was a single‐center, single‐arm, open‐label study enrolling eight patients with recurrent NMOSD in China. All patients received plasma exchange three times, followed by Telitacicept 240 mg every week for 46 times. The primary endpoint was the time of first recurrence after enrollment. Secondary end points included: changes in Expanded Disability Status Scale score, Optic Spinal Impairment Scale score, Hauser Ambulation Index, number of lesions on MRI, retinal nerve fiber layer thickness measured by optical coherence tomography, latency and amplitude of visual evoked potential, titer of AQP4 antibody, and immune parameters of blood. Safety was also assessed. The study was registered with Chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR1800019427). Results Eight eligible patients were enrolled. Relapse occurred in two patients (25%) and five patients (63%) remained relapse free after 48 weeks of treatment. The time to first recurrence was prolonged and the number of recurrences was reduced (p < 0.001, power of test = 1). One patient withdrew from the study due to low neutrophil count. No serious adverse events occurred. Conclusions In this small, uncontrolled study, Telitacicept following plasma exchange has the potential to be a safe treatment for patients with recurrent NMOSD. It may prolong the recurrence interval and reduces the annual count of recurrences. A multicenter randomized controlled study with a larger sample is thus feasible and needed to further assess its safety and efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Ding
- Department of Neurology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine Shanghai Jiaotong University Shanghai China
| | - Xianguo Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine Shanghai Jiaotong University Shanghai China
| | - Yu Cai
- Department of Neurology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine Shanghai Jiaotong University Shanghai China
| | - Shuting Pan
- Clinical Research Center, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine Shanghai Jiaotong University Shanghai China
| | - Ye Deng
- Department of Neurology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine Shanghai Jiaotong University Shanghai China
| | - Meichun Gao
- Department of Neurology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine Shanghai Jiaotong University Shanghai China
| | - Yan Lin
- Department of Neurology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine Shanghai Jiaotong University Shanghai China
| | - Nan Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine Shanghai Jiaotong University Shanghai China
| | - Ze Wang
- Department of Neurology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine Shanghai Jiaotong University Shanghai China
| | - Haojun Yu
- Department of Neurology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine Shanghai Jiaotong University Shanghai China
| | - Huiying Qiu
- Department of Neurology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine Shanghai Jiaotong University Shanghai China
| | - Yuyan Jin
- Department of Neurology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine Shanghai Jiaotong University Shanghai China
| | - Jiahui Xue
- Department of Neurology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine Shanghai Jiaotong University Shanghai China
| | - Quan Guo
- Department of Neurology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine Shanghai Jiaotong University Shanghai China
| | - Liping Ni
- Department of Neurology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine Shanghai Jiaotong University Shanghai China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine Shanghai Jiaotong University Shanghai China
| | - Yong Hao
- Department of Neurology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine Shanghai Jiaotong University Shanghai China
| | - Yangtai Guan
- Department of Neurology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine Shanghai Jiaotong University Shanghai China
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Wu X, Xu W, Yu M, Zhang F, Wang H. Clinical trials of orphan drugs in China over the decade 2012-2022: Opportunities and challenges. Pharmacol Res 2022; 182:106349. [PMID: 35835367 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Rare diseases refer to diseases with very low prevalence. Along with the support of national policies and improvement of research capability, a new landscape for orphan drug is emerging in China. To identity unmet clinical needs and provide insight on the development of orphan drugs, we reviewed the changes over time of orphan drug clinical trials in China from 2012 to 2022. A total of 261 trials of 40 drugs were initiated, of which 66.3% trials were sponsored by Chinese local pharmaceutical enterprises. Among the 261 trials, chemical drugs (about 63.6%) and biological products (35.6%) account for the high proportions, and traditional Chinese medicine (0.8%) was the least; the indications mainly focused on homozygous hypercholesterolemia, hemophilia, multiple sclerosis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis; single-arm study design was applied to 50% of the clinical trials, with an average sample size of 52 participants. Additionally, totally 122 trials were completed by January 2022, of which the average duration time was 15.7 months for new drug and 3.5 months for generic drug, respectively. The trends over time illustrated that remarkable progress has been achieved in development of orphan drugs in China since 2012. Given the large patient pool and the rising capability of innovation, it is believed that China will contribute more to the global drug pipelines for rare diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofei Wu
- Clinical Pharmacology Research Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Wen Xu
- CSPC Zhongqi Pharmaceutical Technology (Shijiazhuang) Co., Ltd, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Mengyang Yu
- Clinical Pharmacology Research Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Clinical Pharmacology Research Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Hongyun Wang
- Clinical Pharmacology Research Center, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Beijing, China.
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Sun L, Shen Q, Gong Y, Li Y, Lv Q, Liu H, Zhao F, Yu H, Qiu L, Li X, He X, Chen Y, Xu Z, Xu H. Safety and efficacy of telitacicept in refractory childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus: A self-controlled before–after trial. Lupus 2022; 31:998-1006. [PMID: 35499216 DOI: 10.1177/09612033221097812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Objective To observe the efficacy and safety of telitacicept in refractory childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE). Methods A self-controlled before–after trial. Children with active SLE, aged 5–18 years, who cannot tolerate side effects of glucocorticoid, were enrolled in our study. Patients received subcutaneous injection of telitacicept weekly based on the standard treatment. SLE responder index-4 (SRI-4) was assessed before the first administration and at least 4 weeks after the first administration. Results Among the 15 cases of refractory cSLE, three were males (20%) and 12 were females (80%). The median age and weight were 13 years old and 52 kg, respectively. The median duration of disease was 30 months. 5–26 weeks (80 or 160 mg per week) after administration of telitacicept, 66.7% ( n=10) reached SRI-4 response. 12 cases reduced their glucocorticoid intake from 40 mg/d to 17.5 mg/d. The urinary protein after treatment declined in 8 cases whose 24-h proteinuria was >0.5 g at baseline. The urinary protein in two of the eight cases turned negative and plasma albumin in five of the eight cases rose to normal. In addition, three of these eight cases demonstrated varying degrees of improvement in renal impairment, whose estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR, ml/min·1.73 m2) rose from 17.4 to 26.6, 40.7 to 48.2, and 63.2 to 146.0, respectively. There were mild to moderate adverse events after treatment. Conclusion Telitacicept combined with the standard treatment may significantly increase the SRI-4 response rate and reduce the glucocorticoid dosage in refractory cSLE, and also shown efficacy on lupus nephritis. The related adverse drug events were controllable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Sun
- Department of Rheumatology, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, National Children’s Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Shen
- Department of Nephrology, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, National Children’s Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Yinv Gong
- Department of Rheumatology, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, National Children’s Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Yifan Li
- Department of Rheumatology, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, National Children’s Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Qianying Lv
- Department of Rheumatology, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, National Children’s Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Haimei Liu
- Department of Rheumatology, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, National Children’s Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei Zhao
- Department of Nephrology, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haiguo Yu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lingzhi Qiu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaozhong Li
- Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoliang He
- Department of Rheumatology, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University Anhui Hospital, Anhui, China
| | - Yuqing Chen
- Department of Rheumatology, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University Anhui Hospital, Anhui, China
| | - Zhiquan Xu
- Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University at Hainan, Hainan, China
| | - Hong Xu
- Department of Rheumatology, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, National Children’s Medical Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Nephrology, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, National Children’s Medical Center, Shanghai, China
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