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Wang M, Rajkumar S, Lai Y, Liu X, He J, Ishikawa T, Nallapothula D, Singh RR. Tertiary lymphoid structures as local perpetuators of organ-specific immune injury: implication for lupus nephritis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1204777. [PMID: 38022566 PMCID: PMC10644380 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1204777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In response to inflammatory stimuli in conditions such as autoimmune disorders, infections and cancers, immune cells organize in nonlymphoid tissues, which resemble secondary lymphoid organs. Such immune cell clusters are called tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS). Here, we describe the potential role of TLS in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease, focusing on lupus nephritis, a condition that incurs major morbidity and mortality. In the kidneys of patients and animals with lupus nephritis, the presence of immune cell aggregates with similar cell composition, structure, and gene signature as lymph nodes and of lymphoid tissue-inducer and -organizer cells, along with evidence of communication between stromal and immune cells are indicative of the formation of TLS. TLS formation in kidneys affected by lupus may be instigated by local increases in lymphorganogenic chemokines such as CXCL13, and in molecules associated with leukocyte migration and vascularization. Importantly, the presence of TLS in kidneys is associated with severe tubulointerstitial inflammation, higher disease activity and chronicity indices, and poor response to treatment in patients with lupus nephritis. TLS may contribute to the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis by increasing local IFN-I production, facilitating the recruitment and supporting survival of autoreactive B cells, maintaining local production of systemic autoantibodies such as anti-dsDNA and anti-Sm/RNP autoantibodies, and initiating epitope spreading to local autoantigens. Resolution of TLS, along with improvement in lupus, by treating animals with soluble BAFF receptor, docosahexaenoic acid, complement inhibitor C4BP(β-), S1P1 receptor modulator Cenerimod, dexamethasone, and anti-CXCL13 further emphasizes a role of TLS in the pathogenesis of lupus. However, the mechanisms underlying TLS formation and their roles in the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis are not fully comprehended. Furthermore, the lack of non-invasive methods to visualize/quantify TLS in kidneys is also a major hurdle; however, recent success in visualizing TLS in lupus-prone mice by photon emission computed tomography provides hope for early detection and manipulation of TLS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiying Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- Peking University Shenzhen Hosiptal, Shenzhen, China
- Autoimmunity and Tolerance Laboratory, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Snehin Rajkumar
- Autoimmunity and Tolerance Laboratory, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Yupeng Lai
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xingjiao Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jing He
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Nephrology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tatsuya Ishikawa
- Autoimmunity and Tolerance Laboratory, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Dhiraj Nallapothula
- Autoimmunity and Tolerance Laboratory, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Ram Raj Singh
- Autoimmunity and Tolerance Laboratory, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Molecular Toxicology Interdepartmental Program, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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El Miedany Y, Kamel NS, Abu-Zaid MH, El Hadidi K, Mahmoud GA, Sarhan E, El Gaafary M, Abdel-Nasser A, Abualfadl EM, Azim AA, Fathi NA, Mokbel A, Hassan W, Tabra SAA, Eissa M, Mortada M, Fouad NA, Elnemr R, Mansour AE, Elaraby I, Medhat BM, Mohamed SS, Abdelradi ER, Ibrahim RA, Saber S. Egyptian evidence-based consensus on clinical practice recommendations for the management of lupus nephritis. EGYPTIAN RHEUMATOLOGY AND REHABILITATION 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s43166-022-00146-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Lupus nephritis (LN) affects a substantial number of the patients living with Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), representing a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Patients with lupus nephritis should be referred to a lupus nephritis expert who can confirm the diagnosis, assess the level of disease activity, and offer guidance on treatment and monitoring of the disease, as well as its consequences and side effects. The aim of this guideline was to develop recommendations for the management of adult lupus patients, including lupus nephritis diagnosis, assessment, and monitoring.
Nineteen key clinical questions were identified by scientific committee according to the Patient/Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes and Timing (PICOT) approach. Literature review team performed a systematic review to summarize evidence advocating the benefits and harms of available pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic therapies for LN. Subsequently, recommendations were formulated. The level of evidence was determined for each section using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine (CEBM) system. A 2-round Delphi process was conducted with 24 experts. All rounds were conducted online. A consensus was achieved on the direction and the strength of the recommendations.
Results
An online questionnaire was sent to an expert panel who participated in the two rounds (response rate 100%). At the end of round 2, a total of 19 recommendation items, categorized into 11 sections to address the main LN categories, were obtained. The percentage of those who agreed with the recommendations (ranks 7–9) ranged from 90.5 to 100%. The phrasing of all 19 clinical standards identified by the scientific committee was agreed upon (i.e., 75% of respondents strongly agreed or agreed).
Conclusion
These recommendations provide an updated consensus on the pharmacological treatment of lupus nephritis and strategies to reach optimal treat to target outcomes in common clinical scenarios, based on a combination of evidence and expert opinion. Best treatment decisions should be tailored to each individual patient situation.
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Arnold J, Dass S, Twigg S, Jones CH, Rhodes B, Hewins P, Chakravorty M, Courtney P, Ehrenstein M, Md Yusof MY, Vital EM. Efficacy and safety of obinutuzumab in systemic lupus erythematosus patients with secondary non-response to rituximab. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2022; 61:4905-4909. [PMID: 35266512 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keac150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Secondary inefficacy with infusion reactions and anti-drug antibodies (secondary non-depletion nonresponse, 2NDNR) occurs in 14% of SLE patients receiving repeated rituximab courses. We evaluated baseline clinical characteristics, efficacy and safety of obinutuzumab, a next-generation humanized type-2 anti-CD20 antibody licensed for haematological malignancies in SLE patients with 2NDNR to rituximab. METHODS We collated data from SLE patients receiving obinutuzumab for secondary non-response to rituximab in BILAG centres. Disease activity was assessed using BILAG-2004, SLEDAI-2K and serology before, and 6 months after, obinutuzumab 2× 1000 mg infusions alongside methylprednisolone 100 mg. RESULTS All nine patients included in the study received obinutuzumab with concomitant oral immunosuppression. At 6 months post-obinutuzumab, there were significant reductions in median SLEDAI-2K from 12 to 6 (P = 0.014) and total BILAG-2004 score from 21 to 2 (P = 0.009). Complement C3 and dsDNA titres improved significantly (both P = 0.04). Numerical, but not statistically significant improvements were seen in C4 levels. Of 8/9 patients receiving concomitant oral prednisolone at baseline (all >10 mg/day), 5/8 had their dose reduced at 6 months. Four of nine patients were on 5 mg/day and were in Lupus Low Disease Activity State following obinutuzumab. After obinutuzumab, 6/9 patients with peripheral B cell data achieved complete depletion, including 4/4 assessed with highly sensitive assays. Of the nine patients, one obinutuzumab non-responder required CYC therapy. One unvaccinated patient died from COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS Obinutuzumab appears to be effective and steroid-sparing in renal and non-renal SLE patients with secondary non-response to rituximab. These patients have severe disease with few treatment options but given responsiveness to B cell depletion, switching to humanized type-2 anti-CD20 therapy is a logical approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Arnold
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds.,NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds
| | - Shouvik Dass
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds.,NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds
| | - Sarah Twigg
- Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford
| | | | - Ben Rhodes
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham
| | - Peter Hewins
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham
| | | | - Phil Courtney
- Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham
| | | | - Md Yuzaiful Md Yusof
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds.,NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds
| | - Edward M Vital
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds.,NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds
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Treat-to-target in systemic lupus erythematosus: advancing towards its implementation. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2022; 18:146-157. [PMID: 35039665 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-021-00739-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The treat-to-target (T2T) concept has improved outcomes for patients with diabetes, hypertension and rheumatoid arthritis. This therapeutic strategy involves choosing a well-defined, relevant target, taking therapeutic steps, evaluating whether the target has been achieved, and taking action if it has not. The T2T principle has been embraced by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) experts, but measurable and achievable outcomes, and therapeutic options, are needed to make this approach possible in practice. Considerable evidence has been generated regarding meaningful 'state' outcomes for SLE. Low disease activity has been defined and studied, and the most aspirational goal, remission, has been defined by the Definition of Remission in SLE task force. By contrast, current therapeutic options in SLE are limited, and more effective and safer therapies are urgently needed. Fortunately, clinical trial activity in SLE has been unprecedented, and encouraging results have been seen for novel therapies, including biologic and small-molecule agents. Thus, with the expected advent of such treatments, it is likely that sufficiently diverse therapies for SLE will be available in the foreseeable future, allowing the routine implementation of T2T approaches in the care of patients with SLE.
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Abstract
ABSTRACT Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that may affect every organ. The multiple pathogenic mechanisms and heterogeneous phenotypes of SLE present unique challenges in the management of this complex disease. This article discusses new SLE therapies from the last 10 years. We will address new information in the realms of lifestyle interventions, antimalarials, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, glucocorticoids, immunosuppressive disease modifying antirheumatic drugs, biological therapies, and other modalities as they pertain to SLE.
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Yan Q, Du F, Kang Y, Ye P, Wang X, Xu J, Tang J, Wang N, Jiang G, Li Z, Wang X, Xue Q, Huang X, Zhang X, Zhou Y, Dai M, Bao C. Comparison of iguratimod and conventional cyclophosphamide with sequential azathioprine as treatment of active lupus nephritis: study protocol for a multi-center, randomized, controlled clinical trial (iGeLU study). Trials 2021; 22:530. [PMID: 34380536 PMCID: PMC8356213 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-021-05475-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that can involve multiple organs or systems. Lupus nephritis (LN) is associated with high mortality and morbidity. However, plenty of patients do not respond to present treatment or relapse. Iguratimod (IGU) is a new small molecular, anti-rheumatic drug and has shown the potential for drug repurposing from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to LN treatment. It has been approved for treating RA in northeast Asia. Beyond expectation in a recent observational study, over 90% of thirteen refractory LN patients responded to iguratimod monotherapy in 24 weeks, with no steroids dose increasing or any other medication add-on during the entire follow-up. Methods/design This study is a multi-center, randomized, 52-week parallel positive drug-controlled study. The study was designed as a head-to-head comparison between the iguratimod and present first-line therapy on LN patients. A total of 120 patients (60 patients each group) is in the enrolling plan. All enrolled patients are assigned randomly into trial and control groups. The patients will be selected from six study sites in China and will all have biopsy-proven active lupus nephritis. In the first 24 weeks of the trial, IGU is compared with cyclophosphamide as an induction therapy, and in the second 24 weeks, IGU is compared with azathioprine as a maintenance therapy. The primary outcome is renal remission rate including both complete remission and partial remission at week 52, which will be analyzed using a non-inferiority hypothesis test. Discussion Most patients diagnosed with SLE will develop LN within 5 years and LN remains a major cause of morbidity and death for SLE patients. Although some medications are proven effective for the treatment of this condition, at least 20–35% LN patients have to suffer from relapse or ineffective treatment and medication intolerance is also frequent. This trial is designed to demonstrate whether iguratimod can be used as an alternative induction or maintenance therapy in subjects who have lupus nephritis. Data from this study will provide an evidence on whether or not iguratimod should be recommended to active LN patients. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.govNCT 02936375. Registered on October 18, 2016. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-021-05475-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingran Yan
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200001, China.
| | - Fang Du
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Yuening Kang
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Ping Ye
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Xiaodong Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Jianhua Xu
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Jianping Tang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Niansong Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Gengru Jiang
- Renal Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Xin Hua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Zhijun Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233004, Anhui, China
| | - Xuan Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Qin Xue
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinfang Huang
- Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhang
- Renal Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Xin Hua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233004, Anhui, China
| | - Min Dai
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200001, China.
| | - Chunde Bao
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200001, China.
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Lamb YN. Belimumab in systemic lupus erythematosus: a profile of its use. DRUGS & THERAPY PERSPECTIVES 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s40267-020-00788-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Mok CC. The Dawn of a New Era of Therapies in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. RHEUMATOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH 2020; 1:31-37. [PMID: 36465076 PMCID: PMC9524766 DOI: 10.2478/rir-2020-0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complicated multisystem autoimmune disease that is associated with significant mortality and morbidity in the younger population. The development of novel therapies of SLE lag behinds other autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases because of its clinical and immunological heterogeneities, the complexity of outcome assessments in multiple systems, and difficulty in optimizing the design of clinical trials. Despite the futility of quite a number of clinical trials, we are seeing the dawn of novel therapeutics in SLE, given the promising results of the newer-generation anti-CD20, anti-CD40L biologics, and calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs), as well as anti-cytokine biologics, Jakinibs, and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors. The initial success of the Jakinibs and combination regimens in SLE illustrates the importance of targeting multiple pathogenetic mechanisms. The results of the ongoing phase III clinical trials in SLE are eagerly awaited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Chiu Mok
- Department of Medicine, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong KongSAR, China
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