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Murthy S, Patzelt S, Künstner A, Busch H, Schmidt E, Sadik CD. Intravenous Ig Ameliorates Disease in a Murine Model of Anti-Laminin 332 Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid. J Invest Dermatol 2024:S0022-202X(24)00304-X. [PMID: 38692406 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2024.02.038] [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: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Intravenous Ig (IVIg) is used to treat mucous membrane pemphigoid, although its therapeutic effectivity is not sufficiently supported by randomized controlled clinical trials, and its mode of action is only insufficiently understood. We have examined the effect of IVIg in a mouse model of anti-laminin 332 mucous membrane pemphigoid and found that IVIg ameliorates both cutaneous and mucosal inflammatory lesions. Our investigation into the modes of action of IVIg in mucous membrane pemphigoid indicated effective anti-inflammatory mechanisms beyond the enhanced degradation of IgG mediated through inhibition of the FcRn. Our results suggest that IVIg curbs the activation of neutrophils at several levels. This includes a direct, immediate inhibitory effect on neutrophil activation by immune complexes but not C5a, which blunts the release of ROS and leukotriene B4 from neutrophils. IVIg also suppresses the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps in response to calcium ion ionophore. In vivo treatment with IVIg altered the transcriptome of blood leukocytes and bone marrow neutrophils toward less proinflammatory phenotypes. Collectively, our results support the effectivity of IVIg in the treatment of mucous membrane pemphigoid and indicate that effects on neutrophils at multiple levels may significantly contribute to its therapeutic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sripriya Murthy
- Department of Dermatology, Allergy, and Venereology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Sabrina Patzelt
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Axel Künstner
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Hauke Busch
- Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Enno Schmidt
- Department of Dermatology, Allergy, and Venereology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany; Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany; Center for Research on Inflammation of the Skin (CRIS), University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Christian D Sadik
- Department of Dermatology, Allergy, and Venereology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany; Center for Research on Inflammation of the Skin (CRIS), University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
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2
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Chacun S, Rezkallah A, Kodjikian L, Sève P, Mathis T, Denis P. Glaucoma and conjunctival fibrosis: A case report. J Fr Ophtalmol 2023; 46:e361-e364. [PMID: 37586900 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfo.2023.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- S Chacun
- Service d'ophtalmologie, hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, hospices civils de Lyon, 103, grande-rue de la Croix-Rousse, 69317 Lyon cedex 4, France.
| | - A Rezkallah
- Service d'ophtalmologie, hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, hospices civils de Lyon, 103, grande-rue de la Croix-Rousse, 69317 Lyon cedex 4, France
| | - L Kodjikian
- Service d'ophtalmologie, hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, hospices civils de Lyon, 103, grande-rue de la Croix-Rousse, 69317 Lyon cedex 4, France; UMR-CNRS 5510 Matéis, université de médicine Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - P Sève
- Service de médecine interne, hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, hospices civils de Lyon, 103, grande-rue de la Croix-Rousse, 69317 Lyon cedex 4, France
| | - T Mathis
- Service d'ophtalmologie, hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, hospices civils de Lyon, 103, grande-rue de la Croix-Rousse, 69317 Lyon cedex 4, France; UMR-CNRS 5510 Matéis, université de médicine Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - P Denis
- Service d'ophtalmologie, hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, hospices civils de Lyon, 103, grande-rue de la Croix-Rousse, 69317 Lyon cedex 4, France
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3
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Kianfar N, Dasdar S, Daneshpazhooh M, Aryanian Z, Goodarzi A. A systematic review on efficacy, safety and treatment durability of intravenous immunoglobulin in autoimmune bullous dermatoses: Special focus on indication and combination therapy. Exp Dermatol 2023. [PMID: 37150538 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14829] [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: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune bullous diseases (AIBDs) are a group of rare blistering dermatoses of the mucous membrane and/or skin. The efficacy, safety and treatment durability of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) as an alternative treatment should be explored to systematically review the available literature regarding treatment outcomes with IVIg in AIBD patients. The predefined search strategy was incorporated into the following database, MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science on 18 July 2022. Sixty studies were enrolled using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. The use of IVIg alone or combined with rituximab was reported in 500 patients with pemphigus, 82 patients with bullous pemphigoid, 146 patients with mucous membranes pemphigoid and 19 patients with epidermolysis bullosa acquisita. Disease remission with IVIg therapy and RTX + IVIg combination therapy were recorded as 82.8% and 86.7% in pemphigus, 88.0% and 100% in bullous pemphigoid and 91.3% and 75.0% in mucous membrane pemphigoid, respectively. In epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, treatment with IVIg led to 78.6% disease remission; no data were available regarding the treatment with RTX + IVIg in this group of patients. Among all the included patients, 37.5% experienced at least one IVIg-related side effect; the most common ones were headaches, fever/chills and nausea/vomiting. The use of IVIg with or without rituximab had a favourable clinical response in patients with AIBDs. IVIg has no major influence on the normal immune system, which makes its utilization for patients with AIBDs reasonable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nika Kianfar
- Department of Dermatology, Razi Dermatology Hospital, Autoimmune Bullous Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shayan Dasdar
- Department of Dermatology, Razi Dermatology Hospital, Autoimmune Bullous Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Daneshpazhooh
- Department of Dermatology, Razi Dermatology Hospital, Autoimmune Bullous Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zeinab Aryanian
- Department of Dermatology, Razi Dermatology Hospital, Autoimmune Bullous Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azadeh Goodarzi
- Department of Dermatology, Rasool Akram Medical Complex Clinical Research Development Center (RCRDC), School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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4
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Cole C, Amber KT. Off-Label Uses of Rituximab in Dermatology. CURRENT DERMATOLOGY REPORTS 2022; 11:209-220. [PMID: 36217351 PMCID: PMC9534735 DOI: 10.1007/s13671-022-00375-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Rituximab has transformed the treatment of B-cell malignancies and rheumatoid arthritis in the past 2 decades. More recently, this anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody has seen increasing usage in the field of dermatology. This review highlights the evidence supporting its use in several important dermatologic conditions. Recent Findings Key recent findings include the 2018 FDA approval of rituximab for the treatment of moderate-to-severe pemphigus. Summary Data from randomized controlled trials have demonstrated the efficacy of rituximab in pemphigus, ANCA-associated vasculitis, and cryoglobulinemic vasculitis. More limited data suggests its use in recalcitrant cases of diseases such as pemphigoid, epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, and dermatomyositis. There is scarce evidence and mixed results for rituximab when studied in cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa and cutaneous lupus erythematosus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor Cole
- Division of Dermatology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Kyle T. Amber
- Division of Dermatology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL USA
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Ocular mucous membrane pemphigoid: novel treatment strategies. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2021; 21:486-492. [PMID: 34269741 DOI: 10.1097/aci.0000000000000767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To describe current treatments of ocular mucous membrane pemphigoid (OMMP), including conventional systemic immunosuppression (CIST) and novel biologic agents. RECENT FINDINGS CIST remains the main stay therapy for the management of OMMP. The choice of agents is tailored to disease severity - mild disease is treated with dapsone, whereas moderately severe cases are often treated with mycophenolate mofetil or sulfa-based drugs and severe cases are treated with cyclophosphamide. In recalcitrant disease newer biologics such as Rituximab, intravenous immunoglobins and tumour necrosis alpha antagonists have proven to be effective in disease control. Control of inflammation with topical therapy and halting conjunctival fibrosis remain as areas of unmet clinical needs. SUMMARY OMMP is largely treated with CIST. The recent introduction of new biologic agents could shape the way the disease is treated in the near future.
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Schmidt E, Rashid H, Marzano A, Lamberts A, Di Zenzo G, Diercks G, Alberti‐Violetti S, Barry R, Borradori L, Caproni M, Carey B, Carrozzo M, Cianchini G, Corrà A, Dikkers F, Feliciani C, Geerling G, Genovese G, Hertl M, Joly P, Meijer J, Mercadante V, Murrell D, Ormond M, Pas H, Patsatsi A, Rauz S, van Rhijn B, Roth M, Setterfield J, Zillikens D, C.Prost, Zambruno G, Horváth B, Caux F. European Guidelines (S3) on diagnosis and management of mucous membrane pemphigoid, initiated by the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology - Part II. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2021; 35:1926-1948. [PMID: 34309078 PMCID: PMC8518905 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.17395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
This guideline has been initiated by the task force Autoimmune Blistering Diseases of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, including physicians from all relevant disciplines and patient organizations. It is a S3 consensus-based guideline that systematically reviewed the literature on mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) in the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases until June 2019, with no limitations on language. While the first part of this guideline addressed methodology, as well as epidemiology, terminology, aetiology, clinical presentation and outcome measures in MMP, the second part presents the diagnostics and management of MMP. MMP should be suspected in cases with predominant mucosal lesions. Direct immunofluorescence microscopy to detect tissue-bound IgG, IgA and/or complement C3, combined with serological testing for circulating autoantibodies are recommended. In most patients, serum autoantibodies are present only in low levels and in variable proportions, depending on the clinical sites involved. Circulating autoantibodies are determined by indirect IF assays using tissue substrates, or ELISA using different recombinant forms of the target antigens or immunoblotting using different substrates. The major target antigen in MMP is type XVII collagen (BP180), although in 10-25% of patients laminin 332 is recognized. In 25-30% of MMP patients with anti-laminin 332 reactivity, malignancies have been associated. As first-line treatment of mild/moderate MMP, dapsone, methotrexate or tetracyclines and/or topical corticosteroids are recommended. For severe MMP, dapsone and oral or intravenous cyclophosphamide and/or oral corticosteroids are recommended as first-line regimens. Additional recommendations are given, tailored to treatment of single-site MMP such as oral, ocular, laryngeal, oesophageal and genital MMP, as well as the diagnosis of ocular MMP. Treatment recommendations are limited by the complete lack of high-quality randomized controlled trials.
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7
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Updates in the Diagnosis and Management of Linear IgA Disease: A Systematic Review. MEDICINA-LITHUANIA 2021; 57:medicina57080818. [PMID: 34441024 PMCID: PMC8400507 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57080818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Linear IgA disease (LAD) is a rare autoimmune blistering disease with linear IgA deposits along the basement membrane zone. Direct immunofluorescence remains the gold standard for diagnosis, but other diagnostic measures reported in recent literature have proven useful in the setting of inconclusive preliminary results. Dapsone is a commonly used treatment, but many therapeutic agents have emerged in recent years. The objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive overview of updates on the diagnosis and management of LAD. Materials and Methods: A literature search was conducted from May to June of 2021 for articles published in the last 5 years that were related to the diagnosis and management of LAD. Results: False-negative results in cases of drug-induced LAD and the presence of IgG and IgM antibodies on immunofluorescence studies were reported. Serration pattern analysis has been reported to be useful in distinguishing LAD from sublamina densa-type LAD. Rituximab, omalizumab, etanercept, IVIg, sulfonamides, topical corticosteroids, and others have been used successfully in adult and pediatric patients with varying disease severity. Topical corticosteroids were preferred for pediatric patients while rituximab and IVIg were used in adults with recalcitrant LAD. Sulfonamides were utilized in places without access to dapsone. Conclusion: In cases where preliminary biopsy results are negative and clinical suspicion is high, repeat biopsy and additional diagnostic studies should be used. Patient factors such as age, medical comorbidities, and disease severity play a role in therapeutic selection.
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Baniel A, Oestreicher-Kedem Y, Peled A, Bar-Ilan E, Geller S, Sprecher E, Baum S. Laryngeal mucous membrane pemphigoid serves as a prognostic factor for poor response to treatment with rituximab. Clin Exp Dermatol 2021; 46:915-919. [PMID: 33811681 DOI: 10.1111/ced.14662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) is an autoimmune blistering, scarring and occasionally mutilating disease that may progress to blindness or airway obstruction. Over the past few years, rituximab (RTX) has emerged as a potential therapeutic solution for MMP; however, the literature regarding its efficacy in the treatment of severe MMP is sparse. We studied four patients with recalcitrant MMP who were treated with RTX. Three of these had recalcitrant laryngeal disease; two were unresponsive to RTX, while the third patient achieved complete remission (CR) but relapsed twice. The fourth patient, who had oral and ocular disease, also achieved CR. In addition, we reviewed 143 cases of MMP treated with RTX reported in the literature to date. Of these, 120 had late observation endpoints, of whom 81 (67.5%) achieved CR, 24 (20%) received partial remission and 15 (12.5%) had no remission. Based on this study, the presence of laryngeal MMP seems to predict refractoriness to RTX treatment. In conclusion, we found that RTX can ameliorate the MMP course and that laryngeal involvement, which is known to be a prognostic factor for severe MMP, may also predict poor response to RTX.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Baniel
- Division of Dermatology, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Y Oestreicher-Kedem
- Department of Ear, Nose, Throat, Head and Neck Surgery, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - A Peled
- Division of Dermatology, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - E Bar-Ilan
- Division of Dermatology, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - S Geller
- Division of Dermatology, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - E Sprecher
- Division of Dermatology, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - S Baum
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Department of Dermatology, Sheba Medical Centre, Ramat-Gan, Israel
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9
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Montagnon CM, Lehman JS, Murrell DF, Camilleri MJ, Tolkachjov SN. Subepithelial autoimmune bullous dermatoses disease activity assessment and therapy. J Am Acad Dermatol 2021; 85:18-27. [PMID: 33684494 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2020.05.161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Subepidermal (subepithelial) autoimmune blistering dermatoses are a group of rare skin disorders characterized by the disruption of the dermal-epidermal junction through the action of autoantibodies. The fourth article in this continuing medical education series presents the current validated disease activity scoring systems, serologic parameters, treatments, and clinical trials for bullous pemphigoid, mucous membrane pemphigoid, epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, bullous systemic lupus erythematosus, anti-p200 pemphigoid, linear IgA bullous dermatosis, and dermatitis herpetiformis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julia S Lehman
- Department of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Dedee F Murrell
- Department of Dermatology, St George Hospital, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michael J Camilleri
- Department of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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10
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Cole EF, Sami N, Feldman RJ. Updates on diagnosis and management of autoimmune blistering diseases. GIORN ITAL DERMAT V 2019; 155:46-64. [PMID: 31804056 DOI: 10.23736/s0392-0488.19.06517-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Over the last several decades, advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis of autoimmune blistering diseases has resulted in significant improvements in diagnosis and management. These improvements include new diagnostic assays and therapies targeted at specific disease mediators. Furthermore, the abundance of new therapies in clinic trials for autoimmune blistering diseases will translate to an enhanced therapeutic armamentarium for clinicians. The aim of this article is to review new developments in the understanding of autoimmune blistering diseases and to summarize advancements in their diagnosis and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily F Cole
- Emory Autoimmune Blistering Disease Clinic, Emory Department of Dermatology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Naveed Sami
- Department of Dermatology, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA -
| | - Ron J Feldman
- Emory Autoimmune Blistering Disease Clinic, Emory Department of Dermatology, Atlanta, GA, USA
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11
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Thomas RM, Colon A, Motaparthi K. Rituximab in autoimmune pemphigoid diseases: Indications, optimized regimens, and practice gaps. Clin Dermatol 2019; 38:384-396. [PMID: 32563354 DOI: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2019.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody targeting CD20 on B cells with proven efficacy for pemphigus vulgaris, now an FDA-approved indication. Other autoimmune bullous diseases can be challenging to treat and have significant associated morbidity and mortality, but data supporting the use of rituximab in pemphigoid group diseases remain limited. Although rituximab demonstrates efficacy for clinical improvement and remission in pemphigoid, concern for adverse events may also limit the use of this medication. We review the current evidence fo rthe use of rituximab in pemphigoid diseases, pertinent dosing schedules and laboratory monitoring, and the associated common and rare adverse events. Review of the literature to date not only supports consideration of rituximab for treatment of refractory pemphigoid group diseases but also reflects tolerability and an acceptable safety profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renee M Thomas
- Department of Dermatology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Alysha Colon
- Department of Dermatology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Kiran Motaparthi
- Department of Dermatology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA.
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12
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Taurone S, Spoletini M, Ralli M, Gobbi P, Artico M, Imre L, Czakò C, Kovàcs I, Greco A, Micera A. Ocular mucous membrane pemphigoid: a review. Immunol Res 2019; 67:280-289. [DOI: 10.1007/s12026-019-09087-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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13
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Kridin K, Ahn C, Huang WC, Ansari A, Sami N. Treatment Update of Autoimmune Blistering Diseases. Dermatol Clin 2019; 37:215-228. [DOI: 10.1016/j.det.2018.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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14
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Ahmed AR, Kaveri S. Reversing Autoimmunity Combination of Rituximab and Intravenous Immunoglobulin. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1189. [PMID: 30072982 PMCID: PMC6058053 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In this concept paper, the authors present a unique and novel protocol to treat autoimmune diseases that may have the potential to reverse autoimmunity. It uses a combination of B cell depletion therapy (BDT), specifically rituximab (RTX) and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), based on a specifically designed protocol (Ahmed Protocol). Twelve infusions of RTX are given in 6–14 months. Once the CD20+ B cells are depleted from the peripheral blood, IVIg is given monthly until B cells repopulation occurs. Six additional cycles are given to end the protocol. During the stages of B cell depletion, repopulation and after clinical recovery, IVIg is continued. Along with clinical recovery, significant reduction and eventual disappearance of pathogenic autoantibody occurs. Administration of IVIg in the post-clinical period is a crucial part of this protocol. This combination reduces and may eventually significantly eliminates inflammation in the microenvironment and facilitates restoring immune balance. Consequently, the process of autoimmunity and the phenomenon that lead to autoimmune disease are arrested, and a sustained and prolonged disease and drug-free remission is achieved. Data from seven published studies, in which this combination protocol was used, are presented. It is known that BDT does not affect check points. IVIg has functions that mimic checkpoints. Hence, when inflammation is reduced and the microenvironment is favorable, IVIg may restore tolerance. The authors provide relevant information, molecular mechanism of action of BDT, IVIg, autoimmunity, and autoimmune diseases. The focus of the manuscript is providing an explanation, using the current literature, to demonstrate possible pathways, used by the combination of BDT and IVIg in providing sustained, long-term, drug-free remissions of autoimmune diseases, and thus reversing autoimmunity, albeit for the duration of the observation.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Razzaque Ahmed
- Department of Dermatology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States.,Center for Blistering Diseases, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Srinivas Kaveri
- INSERM U1138 Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France
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15
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Witte M, Zillikens D, Shimanovich I. Intravenous immunoglobulins for rituximab-resistant mucous membrane pemphigoid. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2018; 32:e321-e324. [PMID: 29443427 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.14873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- M Witte
- Department of Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - D Zillikens
- Department of Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - I Shimanovich
- Department of Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
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16
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Birnbaum J, Lalji A, Piccione EA, Izbudak I. Magnetic resonance imaging of the spinal cord in the evaluation of 3 patients with sensory neuronopathies: Diagnostic assessment, indications of treatment response, and impact of autoimmunity: A case report. Medicine (Baltimore) 2017; 96:e8483. [PMID: 29245216 PMCID: PMC5728831 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000008483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Sensory neuronopathy can be a devastating peripheral nervous system disorder. Profound loss in joint position is associated with sensory ataxia, and reflects degeneration of large-sized dorsal root ganglia. Prompt recognition of sensory neuronopathies may constitute a therapeutic window to intervene before there are irreversible deficits. However, nerve-conduction studies may be unrevealing early in the disease course. In such cases, the appearance of dorsal column lesions on spinal-cord MRI can help in the diagnosis. However, most studies have not defined whether such dorsal column lesions may occur within earlier as well as chronic stages of sensory neuronopathies, and whether serial MRI studies can be used to help assess treatment efficacy. In this case-series of three sensory neuronopathy patients, we report clinical characteristics, immunological markers, nerve-conduction and skin-biopsy studies, and neuroimaging features. PATIENT CONCERNS All three patients presented with characteristic features of sensory neuronopathy with abnormal spinal-cord MRI studies. Radiographic findings included non-enhancing lesions in the dorsal columns that were longitudinally extensive (spanning ≥ 3 vertebral segments). DIAGNOSES All patients had anti-Ro/SS-A and/or anti-La/SS-B antibodies, with patients one and two having Sjögren's syndrome. MRI findings were similar when performed in the earlier stages of a sensory neuronopathy (patient one, after four months) and chronic stages (patients two and three, after five and three years, respectively). INTERVENTIONS Patient one was treated with rituximab combined with intravenous immunoglobulin therapy. OUTCOMES Patient one was initially wheelchair-bound and had improved ambulation after treatment. In this patient, serial MRI studies revealed partial resolution of dorsal column lesions, associated with decreased sensory ataxia and improved nerve-conduction studies. LESSONS In addition to vitamin B12 and copper deficiency, it is important to include sensory neuronopathies in the differential diagnosis of dorsal column lesions. MRI spinal-cord lesions have similar appearances in the earlier as well as chronic phases of a sensory neuronopathy, and therefore suggest that such dorsal column lesions may reflect inflammatory as well as a gliotic burden of injury. MRI may also be a useful longitudinal indicator of treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julius Birnbaum
- Division of Rheumatology and Department of Neurology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
| | - Aliya Lalji
- The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Ezequiel A. Piccione
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
| | - Izlem Izbudak
- Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
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