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Stojkic I, Harper L, Coss S, Kallash M, Driest K, Lamb M, Ardoin SP, Akoghlanian S. CAR T cell therapy for refractory pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus: a new era of hope? Pediatr Rheumatol Online J 2024; 22:72. [PMID: 39118067 PMCID: PMC11308704 DOI: 10.1186/s12969-024-00990-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune condition that can affect multiple organ systems and is heterogenous in its presentation and response to therapy. When diagnosed in childhood, SLE is associated with increased morbidity and mortality compared to adult SLE, often requiring substantial immunosuppression with the risk of significant side effects. There remains a significant unmet need for new therapies that can improve disease control and reduce glucocorticoid and other toxic medication exposure for patients with severe or refractory disease. The pathogenesis of SLE involves B cell dysregulation and autoantibody production, which are a hallmark of the disease. Currently approved B cell directed therapies often result in incomplete B cell depletion and may not target long-lived plasma cells responsible for SLE autoantibodies. It is hypothesized that by persistently eliminating both B cells and plasmablasts, CAR T therapy can halt autoimmunity and prevent organ damage in patient's refractory to current B cell-depleting treatments. Herein we summarize the current preclinical and clinical data utilizing CAR T cells for SLE and discuss the future of this treatment modality for lupus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Stojkic
- Division of Pediatric Rheumatology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, 46205, USA.
| | - Lauren Harper
- Division of Pediatric Rheumatology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, 46205, USA
| | - Samantha Coss
- Division of Pediatric Rheumatology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, 46205, USA
| | - Mahmoud Kallash
- Division of Nephrology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Kyla Driest
- Division of Pediatric Rheumatology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, 46205, USA
| | - Margaret Lamb
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Stacy P Ardoin
- Division of Pediatric Rheumatology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, 46205, USA
| | - Shoghik Akoghlanian
- Division of Pediatric Rheumatology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, 46205, USA
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Reis-Neto ETD, Seguro LPC, Sato EI, Borba EF, Klumb EM, Costallat LTL, Medeiros MMDC, Bonfá E, Araújo NC, Appenzeller S, Montandon ACDOES, Yuki EFN, Teixeira RCDA, Telles RW, Egypto DCSD, Ribeiro FM, Gasparin AA, Junior ASDA, Neiva CLS, Calderaro DC, Monticielo OA. II Brazilian Society of Rheumatology consensus for lupus nephritis diagnosis and treatment. Adv Rheumatol 2024; 64:48. [PMID: 38890752 DOI: 10.1186/s42358-024-00386-8] [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: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop the second evidence-based Brazilian Society of Rheumatology consensus for diagnosis and treatment of lupus nephritis (LN). METHODS Two methodologists and 20 rheumatologists from Lupus Comittee of Brazilian Society of Rheumatology participate in the development of this guideline. Fourteen PICO questions were defined and a systematic review was performed. Eligible randomized controlled trials were analyzed regarding complete renal remission, partial renal remission, serum creatinine, proteinuria, serum creatinine doubling, progression to end-stage renal disease, renal relapse, and severe adverse events (infections and mortality). The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to develop these recommendations. Recommendations required ≥82% of agreement among the voting members and were classified as strongly in favor, weakly in favor, conditional, weakly against or strongly against a particular intervention. Other aspects of LN management (diagnosis, general principles of treatment, treatment of comorbidities and refractory cases) were evaluated through literature review and expert opinion. RESULTS All SLE patients should undergo creatinine and urinalysis tests to assess renal involvement. Kidney biopsy is considered the gold standard for diagnosing LN but, if it is not available or there is a contraindication to the procedure, therapeutic decisions should be based on clinical and laboratory parameters. Fourteen recommendations were developed. Target Renal response (TRR) was defined as improvement or maintenance of renal function (±10% at baseline of treatment) combined with a decrease in 24-h proteinuria or 24-h UPCR of 25% at 3 months, a decrease of 50% at 6 months, and proteinuria < 0.8 g/24 h at 12 months. Hydroxychloroquine should be prescribed to all SLE patients, except in cases of contraindication. Glucocorticoids should be used at the lowest dose and for the minimal necessary period. In class III or IV (±V), mycophenolate (MMF), cyclophosphamide, MMF plus tacrolimus (TAC), MMF plus belimumab or TAC can be used as induction therapy. For maintenance therapy, MMF or azathioprine (AZA) are the first choice and TAC or cyclosporin or leflunomide can be used in patients who cannot use MMF or AZA. Rituximab can be prescribed in cases of refractory disease. In cases of failure in achieving TRR, it is important to assess adherence, immunosuppressant dosage, adjuvant therapy, comorbidities, and consider biopsy/rebiopsy. CONCLUSION This consensus provides evidence-based data to guide LN diagnosis and treatment, supporting the development of public and supplementary health policies in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgard Torres Dos Reis-Neto
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (EPM/Unifesp), Otonis Street, 863, 2 Floor, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, 04025-002, Brazil.
| | - Luciana Parente Costa Seguro
- Division of Rheumatology, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Emília Inoue Sato
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (EPM/Unifesp), Otonis Street, 863, 2 Floor, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, 04025-002, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Ferreira Borba
- Division of Rheumatology, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Evandro Mendes Klumb
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitário Pedro Ernesto, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Lilian Tereza Lavras Costallat
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Orthopedics, Rheumatology and Traumatology, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, Brazil
| | | | - Eloisa Bonfá
- Division of Rheumatology, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nafice Costa Araújo
- Division of Rheumatology, Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual de São Paulo - Instituto de Assistência Médica ao Servidor Público Estadual de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Simone Appenzeller
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Orthopedics, Rheumatology and Traumatology, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, Brazil
| | | | - Emily Figueiredo Neves Yuki
- Division of Rheumatology, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Rosa Weiss Telles
- Division of Rheumatology, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Francinne Machado Ribeiro
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitário Pedro Ernesto, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Andrese Aline Gasparin
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Antonio Silaide de Araujo Junior
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (EPM/Unifesp), Otonis Street, 863, 2 Floor, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, 04025-002, Brazil
| | | | - Debora Cerqueira Calderaro
- Division of Rheumatology, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Odirlei Andre Monticielo
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Tao SS, Tang J, Yang XK, Fang X, Luo QQ, Xu YQ, Ge M, Ye F, Wang P, Pan HF. Two Decades of Publications in Journals Dedicated to Autoimmunity: A Bibliometric Analysis of the Autoimmunity Field from 2004 to 2023. Clin Exp Med 2024; 24:117. [PMID: 38833019 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-024-01369-1] [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: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
To carry out an in-depth analysis of the scientific research on autoimmunity, we performed the first bibliometric analysis focusing on publications in journals dedicated to autoimmunity (JDTA) indexed by science citation index during the period 2004-2023. Using bibliometric analysis, we quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed the country, institution, author, reference and keywords information of publications in JDTA, so as to understand the quantity, publication pattern and publication characteristics of these publications. The co-occurrence networks, clustering map and timeline map were created by CiteSpace and VOSviewer software to visualize the results. The CiteSpace was also used to analyze the strongest citation burst of keywords, which could describe the frequency, intensity and time period of high-frequency keywords, and indicate the research hotspots in the field. A total of 5 710 publications were analyzed, and their annual distribution number was basically stable from 2004 to 2023, fluctuating around 300. The United States and Italy led the way in terms of the number of publications, followed by France and China. For international cooperation, the developed countries represented by the United States cooperate more closely, but the cooperation was localized, reflecting that there was no unified model of autoimmunity among countries. UDICE-French Research Universities had the greatest number of publications. Subsequently, the number of publications decreased slowly with the ranking, and the gradient was not large. Eric Gershwin and Yehuda Shoenfeld stood out among the authors. They had an excellent academic reputation and great influence in the field of autoimmunity. The results of keyword analysis showed that JDTA publications mainly studied a variety of autoimmune diseases, especially SLE and RA. At the same time, JDTA publications also paid special attention to the research of cell function, autoantibody expression, animal experiments, disease activity, pathogenesis and treatment. This study is the first to analyze the publications in JDTA from multiple indicators by bibliometrics, thus providing new insights into the research hotspots and development trends in the field of autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sha-Sha Tao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
- Preventive Medicine Experimental Teaching Center, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Jian Tang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Xiao-Ke Yang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Xi Fang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Qing-Qing Luo
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Yi-Qing Xu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Man Ge
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Fan Ye
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, TaiYuan, 030001, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Wang
- Teaching Center for Preventive Medicine,School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
| | - Hai-Feng Pan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
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Roccatello D, Sciascia S, Rossi D, Fenoglio R. Refractory Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Identification and Pharmacological Management. Drugs 2023; 83:117-134. [PMID: 36729344 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-022-01824-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by an aberrant immune response, leading to an extremely heterogeneous clinical presentation, potentially affecting different systems and organs. Despite the fact that SLE mortality has greatly decreased since the introduction of steroids, some forms of refractory/severe SLE still have the potential to result in permanent organ damage as well as increased mortality and morbidity. Furthermore, SLE patients with multiple comorbidities may face a clinical conundrum and have a bad prognosis. An improved prognosis for severe refractory SLE depends on prompt and appropriate treatment. Due to the scarcity of solid data from a well-characterized group of patients with refractory/severe SLE coming from randomized controlled studies, this review aims to shed light on this with real-world evidence from clinical research performed at our Unit, the University Center of Excellence on Nephrologic, Rheumatologic and Rare Diseases with Nephrology and Dialysis Unit and Center of Immuno-Rheumatology and Rare Diseases (CMID) (Turin, Italy). In order to determine the key clinical and prognostic features, and therapeutic approaches for severe and/or refractory SLE, our experience will be described together with existing literature, primarily focused on dermatological, neuropsychiatric, and renal symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Roccatello
- University Center of Excellence on Nephrologic, Rheumatologic and Rare Diseases (ERK-net, ERN-Reconnect and RITA-ERN Member) with Nephrology and Dialysis Unit and Center of Immuno-Rheumatology and Rare Diseases (CMID), Coordinating Center of the Interregional Network for Rare Diseases of Piedmont and Aosta Valley, San Giovanni Bosco Hub Hospital, Piazza del Donatore di Sangue 3, 10154, Turin, Italy.
| | - Savino Sciascia
- University Center of Excellence on Nephrologic, Rheumatologic and Rare Diseases (ERK-net, ERN-Reconnect and RITA-ERN Member) with Nephrology and Dialysis Unit and Center of Immuno-Rheumatology and Rare Diseases (CMID), Coordinating Center of the Interregional Network for Rare Diseases of Piedmont and Aosta Valley, San Giovanni Bosco Hub Hospital, Piazza del Donatore di Sangue 3, 10154, Turin, Italy
| | - Daniela Rossi
- University Center of Excellence on Nephrologic, Rheumatologic and Rare Diseases (ERK-net, ERN-Reconnect and RITA-ERN Member) with Nephrology and Dialysis Unit and Center of Immuno-Rheumatology and Rare Diseases (CMID), Coordinating Center of the Interregional Network for Rare Diseases of Piedmont and Aosta Valley, San Giovanni Bosco Hub Hospital, Piazza del Donatore di Sangue 3, 10154, Turin, Italy
| | - Roberta Fenoglio
- University Center of Excellence on Nephrologic, Rheumatologic and Rare Diseases (ERK-net, ERN-Reconnect and RITA-ERN Member) with Nephrology and Dialysis Unit and Center of Immuno-Rheumatology and Rare Diseases (CMID), Coordinating Center of the Interregional Network for Rare Diseases of Piedmont and Aosta Valley, San Giovanni Bosco Hub Hospital, Piazza del Donatore di Sangue 3, 10154, Turin, Italy
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Mahroum N, Elsalti A, Alwani A, Seida I, Alrais M, Seida R, Esirgun SN, Abali T, Kiyak Z, Zoubi M, Shoenfeld Y. The mosaic of autoimmunity - Finally discussing in person. The 13 th international congress on autoimmunity 2022 (AUTO13) Athens. Autoimmun Rev 2022; 21:103166. [PMID: 35932955 PMCID: PMC9349027 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2022.103166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
While autoimmunity is a branch of medicine linked to every single organ system via direct and indirect pathways, meeting in person to discuss autoimmunity during the 13th international congress on autoimmunity (AUTO13) with participants from all over the world had a very good reason. The mechanisms involved in autoimmune diseases are of extreme importance and in fact critical in understanding the course of diseases as well as selecting proper therapies. COVID-19 has served as a great example of how autoimmunity is deeply involved in the disease and directly correlated to severity, morbidity, and mortality. For instance, initially the term cytokine storm dominated, then COVID-19 was addressed as the new member of the hyperferritinemic syndrome, and also the use of immunosuppressants in patients with COVID-19 throughout the pandemic, all shed light on the fundamental role of autoimmunity. Unsurprisingly, SARS-CoV-2 was called the “autoimmune virus” during AUTO13. Subsequently, the correlation between autoimmunity and COVID-19 vaccines and post-COVID, all were discussed from different autoimmune aspects during the congress. In addition, updates on the mechanisms of diseases, autoantibodies, novel diagnostics and therapies in regard to autoimmune diseases such as antiphospholipid syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis and others, were discussed in dedicated sessions. Due to the magnificence of the topics discussed, we aimed to bring in our article hereby, the pearls of AUTO13 in terms of updates, new aspects of autoimmunity, and interesting findings. While more than 500 abstract were presented, concluding all the topics was not in reach, hence major findings were summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naim Mahroum
- International School of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Abdulrahman Elsalti
- International School of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Abdulkarim Alwani
- International School of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Isa Seida
- International School of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mahmoud Alrais
- International School of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ravend Seida
- International School of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sevval Nil Esirgun
- International School of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Tunahan Abali
- International School of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Zeynep Kiyak
- International School of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Majdi Zoubi
- Department of Internal Medicine B, HaEmek Medical Center, Afula, Israel, Affiliated to Technion, Faculty of Medicine, Haifa, Israel
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Suh CH. Rituximab can Decrease Proteinuria in Refractory Lupus Nephritis. JOURNAL OF RHEUMATIC DISEASES 2022; 29:59-60. [PMID: 37475895 PMCID: PMC10327617 DOI: 10.4078/jrd.2022.29.2.59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Hee Suh
- Department of Rheumatology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, Korea
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He C, Li W, Xie Q, Yin G. Rituximab in the Treatment of Interstitial Lung Diseases Related to Anti-Melanoma Differentiation-Associated Gene 5 Dermatomyositis: A Systematic Review. Front Immunol 2022; 12:820163. [PMID: 35116041 PMCID: PMC8803653 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.820163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The effectiveness of rituximab in anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) dermatomyositis (DM) with interstitial lung disease (ILD) has been explored only in isolated case reports and small series. This paper aims to review the current evidence regarding rituximab (RTX) use in the treatment of ILD related to anti-MDA5 DM (anti-MDA5 DM-ILD). Methods We conducted a review by searching PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane for articles with information on patients with anti-MDA5 DM and RTX treatment, published until August 2021, in English language. The selected studies listed variation in chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and/or pulmonary function test (PFT) as a primary outcome, in patients with anti-MDA5 DM-related ILD after using RTX. Results Of the 145 potentially eligible articles, 17 were selected. The information gathered from a total of 35 patients with anti-MDA5 DM-ILD was reviewed, including 13 men and 22 women. Patient age at onset was 47.60 ± 13.72 years old. A total of 11.43% (4/35) of the patients were found to have chronic ILD (C-ILD) and 88.57% (31/30) exhibited rapidly progressive ILD (RP-ILD). Most patients (29/30) had typical DM rashes. Prior to RTX administration, the majority of patients (27/35) were treated with medium- or high-dose glucocorticoids and at least one additional immunotherapeutic agent. With regard to RTX efficacy for ILD in anti-MDA5 DM, 71.43% (25/35) of the patients responded to treatment. Skin rash also improved in more than half of the patients after RTX treatment. The most common side effects were infections, reported by 37.14% (13/35) of the patients after using RTX. Conclusion As a CD20 targeting drug, RTX is a promising therapeutic tool for anti-MDA5 DM-ILD, although the risk of infections should be considered before treatment. Further prospective controlled studies are required to evaluate the optimal RTX treatment regimen. Systematic Review Registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021289714, identifier CRD42021289714.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenjia He
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wenyu Li
- Health Management Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qibing Xie
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Geng Yin, ; Qibing Xie,
| | - Geng Yin
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Geng Yin, ; Qibing Xie,
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Zhang X, Feng R, Shao M, Wang Y, Sun X, He J. Low-Dose Interleukin-2 as an Alternative Therapy for Refractory Lupus Nephritis. Rheumatol Ther 2021; 8:1905-1914. [PMID: 34618348 PMCID: PMC8572262 DOI: 10.1007/s40744-021-00381-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Low-dose interleukin-2 (IL-2) selectively restores disturbances of regulatory T cells (Treg) and conventional T cells, resulting in the induction of remission in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. However, to date no research has been carried out on the efficacy of low-dose IL-2 in the treatment of refractory lupus nephritis (LN). The aim of the study reported here was to investigate the renal response to low-dose IL-2 in patients with refractory LN. METHODS The study population comprised ten patients with refractory LN who failed to achieve complete response or who had relapsed while being treated with at least two conventional immunosuppressive agents. One treatment cycle consisted of IL-2 at a dose of 1 million IU administered subcutaneously every other day for 2 weeks followed by a 2-week break. All patients received three cycles of IL-2 and were then followed up for another 12 weeks without any increase in the dose of previous immunosuppressive agents and steroids. RESULTS Of the ten patients enrolled in the study, seven (70%) achieved ≥ 50% improvement in proteinuria at 12 weeks after initiating treatment with IL-2. Median proteinuria was significantly reduced by 50.3% at week 12, from 1.83 (interquartile range [IQR] 1.23-3.21) g/24 h at baseline to 0.91 (IQR 0.52-1.60) g/24 h at 12 weeks (P = 0.005). This was accompanied by a 71% reduction in urine erythrocytes, from 64/µl (IQR 24-102/µl) at baseline to 18/µl (IQR 2-20/µl) at 12 weeks (P = 0.018). Anti-dsDNA was decreased from 27.9 (IQR 7.6-40.28) IU/ml at baseline to 14.1 (IQR 7.3-20.12) IU/ml (P = 0.021) at week 12, while complements C3 and C4 were slightly increased (P = 0.445, P = 0.241, respectively). A significant expansion of Treg cells, from 9.3% at baseline to 16.6% at 12 weeks, was also found (P < 0.05). No serious adverse events occurred during the treatment period. CONCLUSIONS Low-dose IL-2 therapy may have a promising role in the treatment of refractory LN as an alternative and safe therapeutic approach. It may be used as multi-target combination therapy in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University People's Hospital, 11 Xizhimen South street, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Ruiling Feng
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University People's Hospital, 11 Xizhimen South street, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Miao Shao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University People's Hospital, 11 Xizhimen South street, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Yifan Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University People's Hospital, 11 Xizhimen South street, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Xiaolin Sun
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University People's Hospital, 11 Xizhimen South street, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Jing He
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University People's Hospital, 11 Xizhimen South street, Beijing, 100044, China.
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Roccatello D, Sciascia S, Fenoglio R, Rossi D. A new challenge for lupus nephritis management: Induction therapy without immunosuppressive maintenance regimen. Autoimmun Rev 2021; 20:102844. [PMID: 33971336 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2021.102844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dario Roccatello
- CMID-Nephrology and Dialysis Unit (ERK-net Member), Center of Research of Immunopathology and Rare Diseases - Coordinating Center of the Network for Rare Diseases of Piedmont and Aosta Valley, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin and S. Giovanni Bosco Hub Hospital, Turin, Italy.
| | - Savino Sciascia
- CMID-Nephrology and Dialysis Unit (ERK-net Member), Center of Research of Immunopathology and Rare Diseases - Coordinating Center of the Network for Rare Diseases of Piedmont and Aosta Valley, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin and S. Giovanni Bosco Hub Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Roberta Fenoglio
- CMID-Nephrology and Dialysis Unit (ERK-net Member), Center of Research of Immunopathology and Rare Diseases - Coordinating Center of the Network for Rare Diseases of Piedmont and Aosta Valley, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin and S. Giovanni Bosco Hub Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Daniela Rossi
- CMID-Nephrology and Dialysis Unit (ERK-net Member), Center of Research of Immunopathology and Rare Diseases - Coordinating Center of the Network for Rare Diseases of Piedmont and Aosta Valley, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin and S. Giovanni Bosco Hub Hospital, Turin, Italy
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Xiong A, Yang G, Song Z, Xiong C, Liu D, Shuai Y, He L, Zhang L, Guo Z, Shuai S. Rituximab in the treatment of immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy: a review of case reports and case series. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2021; 14:1756286421998918. [PMID: 33786066 PMCID: PMC7958167 DOI: 10.1177/1756286421998918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM) is a group of immune-related myopathies characterized by progressive proximal muscle weakness, extremely high serum creatine kinase (CK) levels, and necrotic muscle fibers with a relative lack of inflammation. Treatment of IMNM is challenging, with most cases refractory to high-dose steroids in combination with multiple immunotherapies. The role of rituximab (RTX) for IMNM has been explored in isolated case reports and small series. The aim of this article was to perform a literature review of patients with IMNM treated with RTX and to evaluate RTX efficacy and safety. A total of 34 patients with IMNM were reviewed: 52.9% (18/34) with anti-signal recognition particle (SRP) antibodies and 47.1% (16/34) with anti-3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCR) antibodies. Patient age at onset varied from 11 years to 81 years (mean 41 years). The majority of patients presented as a severe proximal muscle weakness and the peak level of CK varied from 3900 IU/L to 56,000 IU/L (mean 18,440 IU/L). Prior to RTX administration, all patients were treated with high-dose steroids and most were treated with multiple immunotherapies. The reason for initiating RTX was that 64.7% (22/34) of patients showed no improvement after previous treatments, and 35.3% (12/34) of patients relapsed when attempting to wean steroids or other immunosuppressive agents. With regard to RTX efficacy, 61.8% (21/34) of patients presented a response to RTX. Our data may support the use of RTX as an effective treatment strategy against IMNM resistant to steroids and multiple immunotherapies. Meanwhile, RTX as a first-line therapy could be a choice in IMNM, particularly in African Americans with anti-SRP antibody-positive subsets. ANA, antinuclear antibody; CK, creatine kinase; HMGCR, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase; IMNM, immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy; MAC, membrane attack complex; MHC-I, major histocompatibility complex-I; RTX, rituximab; SRP, signal recognition particle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anji Xiong
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanchong Central Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College, North Sichuan Medical College, No.97, Renmin Nan Lu, Nanchong, Sichuan, China
| | - Guancui Yang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanchong Central Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College, North Sichuan Medical College, No.97,Renmin Nan Lu, Nanchong, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhuoyao Song
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanchong Central Hospital, Nanchong, Sichuan, China
| | - Chen Xiong
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanchong Central Hospital, Nanchong, Sichuan, China
| | - Deng Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanchong Central Hospital, Nanchong, Sichuan, China
| | - Yu Shuai
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanchong Central Hospital, Nanchong, Sichuan, China
| | - Linqian He
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanchong Central Hospital, Nanchong, Sichuan, China
| | - Liangwen Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanchong Central Hospital, Nanchong, Sichuan, China
| | - Zepeng Guo
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanchong Central Hospital, Nanchong, Sichuan, China
| | - Shiquan Shuai
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanchong Central Hospital, Nanchong, Sichuan, China
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Li W, Chen W, Sun L. An Update for Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy in Lupus Nephritis. KIDNEY DISEASES 2021; 7:79-89. [PMID: 33824866 DOI: 10.1159/000513741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background Lupus nephritis (LN) is the most severe organ manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Although increased knowledge of the disease pathogenesis has improved treatment options, outcomes have plateaued as current immunosuppressive therapies have failed to prevent disease relapse in more than half of treated patients. Thus, there is still an urgent need for novel therapy. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess a potently immunosuppressive regulation on immune responses, and intravenous transplantation of MSCs ameliorates disease symptoms and has emerged as a potential beneficial therapy for LN. The objective of this review is to discuss the defective functions of MSCs in LN patients and the application of MSCs in the treatment of both LN animal models and patients. Summary Bone marrow MSCs from SLE patients exhibit impaired capabilities of migration, differentiation, and immune regulation and display senescent phenotype. Allogeneic MSCs suppress autoimmunity and restore renal function in mouse models and patients with LN by inducing regulatory immune cells and suppressing Th1, Th17, T follicular helper cell, and B-cell responses. In addition, MSCs can home to the kidney and integrate into tubular cells and differentiate into mesangial cells. Key Messages The efficacy of MSCs in the LN treatment remains to be confirmed, and future advances from stem cell science can be expected to pinpoint significant MSC subpopulations, as well as specific mechanisms of action, leading the way to the use of more potent stimulated or primed pretreated MSCs to treat LN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenchao Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Weiwei Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Lingyun Sun
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
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A Prospective Study on Long-Term Clinical Outcomes of Patients With Lupus Nephritis Treated With an Intensified B-Cell Depletion Protocol Without Maintenance Therapy. Kidney Int Rep 2021; 6:1081-1087. [PMID: 33912758 PMCID: PMC8071649 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2021.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of an intensified B-cell depletion induction therapy (IBCDT) without immunosuppressive maintenance regimen compared with standard of care in biopsy-proven lupus nephritis (LN). Methods Thirty patients were administered an IBCDT (4 weekly rituximab [RTX] 375 mg/m2 and 2 more doses after 1 and 2 months; 2 infusions of 10 mg/kg cyclophosphamide [CYC], 3 methylprednisolone pulses), followed by oral prednisone (tapered to 5 mg/d by the third month). No immunosuppressive maintenance therapy was given. Thirty patients matched for LN class and age were selected as controls: 20 received 3 methylprednisolone pulses days followed by oral prednisone and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) 2 to 3 g/d, whereas 10 were given the Euro Lupus CYC. MMF (1-2 g/daily) or azathioprine (AZA, 1-2 mg/kg/day) were given for > 3 years as a maintenance therapy. Results At 12 months, complete renal remission was observed in 93% of patients on IBCDT, in 62.7% on MMF, and in 75% on CYC (P = 0.03); the dose of oral prednisone was lower in the IBCDT group (mean ± SD 2.9 ± 5.0 mg/dl) than MMF (10.5 ± 8.0 mg/d, P < 0.01) or CYC group (7.5 ± 9.0 mg/d, P < 0.01). Mean follow-up after treatment was 44.5 months (interquartile range [IQR] 36-120 months), 48.6 months (IQR 36-120 months), and 45.3 (IQR 36-120 months) for IBCDT, MMF, and CYC, respectively. At their last follow-up visit, we observed no significant differences in proteinuria and serum creatinine, nor in the frequency of new flares among the 3 groups. Conclusion In biopsy-proven LN, the IBCDT without further immunosuppressive maintenance therapy was shown to be as effective as conventional regimen of MMF or CYC followed by >3-year maintenance either MMF or AZA regimen. Moreover, the use of IBCDT was associated with a marked reduction of glucocorticoid cumulative dose.
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