Bullous pemphigoid induced by ustekinumab: a case report

Causal association between psoriasis vulgaris and bullous pemphigoid: a two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization study

Background

The association between psoriasis vulgaris and bullous pemphigoid (BP) remains largely unknown.

Objectives

To investigate whether there is a causal effect between psoriasis vulgaris and BP.

Methods

Two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were conducted using publicly released genome-wide association studies (GWAS) summary statistics. The GWAS summary statistics for BP were downloaded online from FinnGen Biobank Documentation of the R12 release, which includes 219 BP cases and 218,066 controls. The GWAS data for psoriasis vulgaris were extracted from Sakaue et al., which comprises 5072 cases and 478,102 controls. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with exposure were selected as instrumental variables by performing additional quality control steps. The inverse-variance-weighted (IVW) method was used for the primary MR analyses, and the MR-Egger regression, weighted mode method, weighted median method, and simple mode were employed for sensitivity analyses. The MR-Egger intercept test and "leave-one-out" sensitivity analysis were performed to evaluate the horizontal pleiotropy and the potentially influential SNPs, respectively.

Results

Genetically determined log odds of psoriasis vulgaris were associated with an increased risk of BP (IVW: odds ratio (OR) = 1.263, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.013-1.575, P=0.038). Sensitivity analyses by the weighted mode (OR=1.255, 95%CI: 0.973-1.618, P=0.106), MR Egger (OR=1.315, 95%CI: 0.951-1.817, P=0.126), simple mode (OR=1.414, 95%CI: 0.823-2.429, P=0.234) and weighted median method (OR=1.177, 95%CI: 0.889-1.559, P=0.254) derived directionally consistent relationship between the genetically predicted log odds of psoriasis vulgaris and risks of developing BP. On the contrary, we found that genetically predicted BP had no significant effect on psoriasis vulgaris (IVW: OR=0.996, P= 0.707), indicating the unidirectionality of the relationship. MR-Egger intercept tests showed no evidence of horizontal pleiotropy. No influential SNP driving the results was detected by the leave-one-out sensitivity analysis.

Conclusions

Our results suggested that psoriasis vulgaris causally increases the risk of BP, highlighting the need for potential strategies for the prevention and early diagnosis of comorbid BP in patients with psoriasis vulgaris. Further researches into this association and underlying mechanisms are warranted.

Advancements in Bullous Pemphigoid Treatment: A Comprehensive Pipeline Update

ABASTRACT

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is a common autoimmune bullous disease affecting mainly the elderly, with rising incidence due to increased life expectancy. This disease is characterized by tense bullous lesions on normal or erythematous skin, accompanied by pruritus. BP pathogenesis involves autoantibodies against hemidesmosomal proteins BP180 and BP230, leading to detachment at the dermo-epidermal junction as well as blister formation. BP is associated with coexisting comorbidities and drug exposure, and its management often requires high doses or chronic use of systemic glucocorticoids, posing risks of adverse effects. This review focuses on novel treatment options for BP, exploring therapies targeting different immune pathways. Rituximab, a CD20 monoclonal antibody, depletes B-lymphocytes and has shown efficacy in severe cases. Dupilumab, targeting interleukin (IL)-4 receptor α and thus blocking IL-4 and IL-13, downregulates type 2 helper (Th2) responses and has demonstrated promising results. Targeting eosinophil-related molecules using bertilimumab and AKST4290 has yielded positive results in clinical trials. Omalizumab, an immunoglobulin (Ig) E antibody, can reduce disease severity and allows corticosteroid tapering in a number of cases. Complement inhibitors such as nomacopan and avdoralimab are being investigated. IL-17 and IL-23 inhibitors such as secukinumab and tildrakizumab have shown potential in a limited number of case reports. Neonatal Fc receptor antagonists such as efgartigimod are under investigation. Additionally, topical therapies and Janus kinase inhibitors are being explored as potential treatments for BP. These novel therapies offer promising alternatives for managing BP, with potential to improve outcomes and reduce high cumulative doses of systemic corticosteroids and related toxicities. Further research, including controlled clinical trials, is needed to establish their efficacy, safety, and optimal dosing regimens for BP management.

Advancing Treatment in Bullous Pemphigoid: A Comprehensive Review of Novel Therapeutic Targets and Approaches

Bullous pemphigoid is one of the most common autoimmune bullous diseases occurring primarily in the elderly. Pathogenic autoantibodies against BP180 and BP230 at the dermal-epidermal junction cause subepidermal blisters, erosions, and intense pruritus, all of which adversely affect the patients' quality of life and may increase their morbidity and mortality. Current systemic treatment options for bullous pemphigoid are limited to corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, which can have substantial side effects on these vulnerable patients that even exceed their therapeutic benefits. Therefore, more precisely, targeting therapies to the pathogenic cells and molecules in bullous pemphigoid is an urgent issue. In this review, we describe the pathophysiology of bullous pemphigoid, focusing on autoantibodies, complements, eosinophils, neutrophils, proteases, and the T helper 2 and 17 axes since they are crucial in promoting proinflammatory environments. We also highlight the emerging therapeutic targets for bullous pemphigoid and their latest discoveries in clinical trials or experimental studies. Further well-designed studies are required to establish the efficacy and safety of these prospective therapeutic options.

Development of bullous pemphigoid during treatment of psoriasis with ustekinumab: a case report and literature review

Ustekinumab is a biological therapy that has been approved for treating moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Although injection site reactions, nasopharyngitis, headaches, and infections are the common adverse events associated with ustekinumab, the development of bullous pemphigoid (BP) is also thought to be related to ustekinumab. Given that psoriasis itself can be complicated by BP, it is worthwhile to investigate the relationship between ustekinumab, psoriasis, and BP. Here we report a case of a male patient who developed BP twice after psoriasis treatment with ustekinumab. The patient's psoriasis and BP were brought under control by discontinuing ustekinumab and administering methotrexate, minocycline, and topical corticosteroids. Because of the increasing use of biologics in patients with psoriasis, BP should be considered a potential adverse event associated with ustekinumab.

Paradoxical phenomena of bullous pemphigoid induced and treated by identical biologics

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the clinical features of biologics-induced bullous pemphigoid (BP) and the therapeutic effects of those agents for BP, exploring the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Elsevier for studies involving pemphigoid patients treated with or induced by identical biologics published in English from January 2009 to April 2022.

Results

Seventeen cases of drug-induced BP associated with anti-tumor necrosis factor (aTNF)-α therapies, one with interleukin (IL)-17 inhibitors, and seven with IL-12/IL-23 or IL-23 inhibitors were enrolled. Time to cutaneous toxicity varied among different types of agents, and the characteristics of clinical examinations were similar to idiopathic BP. Discontinuation of the culprit drugs and initiation of topical or systemic corticosteroids were adequate in most cases. Several monoclonal antibodies above have also been reported for the treatment of refractory or recurrent BP, especially concurrent with psoriasis.

Conclusion

Biologics for immune-related diseases, including TNF-α, IL-17, and IL-12/IL-23 or IL-23 inhibitors, can both induce and treat BP, which might be associated with a helper T cells Th1/Th2 imbalance, complicated inflammatory networks, and a specific individual microenvironment, suggestive of a new perspective on the therapeutic algorithms of BP. There have been numerous reports about biologics inducing or treating BP. We have taken note of this phenomenon and focused on biologics with both pathogenetic and therapeutic effects on BP. Our review summarized the clinical characteristics of associated cases, trying to figure out the underlying mechanisms of this paradoxical phenomenon and to provide an integrated perspective and new therapeutic alternatives for BP.

The Intriguing Links between Psoriasis and Bullous Pemphigoid

The coexistence of psoriasis with autoimmune bullous diseases (AIBDs), particularly bullous pemphigoid (BP), has been documented in case reports and series, as well as in epidemiological studies. The onset of psoriasis precedes that of BP in the majority of cases. Patients with concomitant BP and psoriasis are generally younger at the onset of BP and present with fewer erosions and blisters as compared with patients suffering from isolated BP. Intriguingly, it has been speculated that some BP cases with comorbid psoriasis can actually correspond to anti-laminin gamma-1 pemphigoid, a rare form that was recently recognized as a distinct entity and which can mimic BP and/or other subepidermal AIBDs. The pathomechanisms underlying the BP-psoriasis association have not yet been identified, although several hypotheses have been proposed. The most credited among such hypotheses involves the so-called "epitope spreading" phenomenon, with tissue injury secondary to a primary inflammatory process (i.e., psoriasis) leading to the exposure of sequestered antigens evoking a secondary autoimmune disease (i.e., bullous pemphigoid). This narrative review aims to give a brief overview of the association between psoriasis and BP, examining epidemiological, clinical, and immunopathological features, the pathomechanisms underlying this association, the treatments for psoriasis incriminated as potential triggers of BP, and the therapeutic management of patients with psoriasis and BP.

Bullous pemphigoid induced by biologic drugs in psoriasis: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Several therapies for psoriasis have been described as triggers of biologic-induced bullous pemphigoid (BIBP). The real incidence of BIBP in psoriatic patients is still unknown. Hence, we compilated and analyzed current literature to identify the frequency and burden of this adverse event for psoriasis patients treated with biologics.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

We systematically searched literature records involving psoriatic patients developing BIBP. Electronic searches were conducted in Pubmed, EMBASE and Scopus in April 2021. To assess the causal relationship between BP and the biologic drug, we applied the Naranjo adverse reaction probability scale and the Karch-Lasagna algorithm.

RESULTS

Our systematic review identified 586 records through the three electronic databases. We identified 15 case reports of BIBP. These cases implicated two cases induced by adalimumab, three by efalizumab, three by etanercept, six by ustekinumab, and one case by secukinumab. Mean period of latency until the BIBP developed was time 5.12 ± 3.44 weeks for TNF-α blockers, and 28.66 ± 26.27 weeks for ustekinumab (p = .09). Most of the cases were assessed as "probable" consistently in both the Naranjo scale and the Karch-Lasagna algorithm.

CONCLUSION

This work presents an accurate estimation on the frequency and burden of BIBP. Ustekinumab presents with the largest evidence of BIBP, especially in patients with previous failure to TNF-α agents. Distinct patterns in the cytokinic pathways and clinical course exist between the BP induced by TNF-α blockers and ustekinumab. A close monitoring of skin condition is highly advisable in patients receiving biologic therapies for psoriasis. Knowledge of BIBP is of great importance to determine the preventive measures and select optimal treatment options.What's already known about this topic?The widespread use of biologic drugs has led dermatologists to encounter increasing situations of biologic-induced BP (BIBP).A lack of data exists on the real incidence of BIBP in psoriatic patients.BIBP is an important adverse event to know when managing patients with psoriasis using biologics.What does this study add?This work presents an accurate estimation on the raised burden of BIBP.Ustekinumab presents with the largest evidence of BIBP, especially in patients with previous failure to TNF-α agents.Mean period of latency until the BIBP developed was time 5.12 ± 3.44 weeks for TNF-α blockers, and 28.66 ± 26.27 weeks for ustekinumab.Distinct patterns in the cytokine pathways and clinical course exist between the BP induced by TNF-α blockers and ustekinumab.A careful screening of previous history of bullous diseases and a baseline immunologic study in psoriatic patients should be advisable prior to commencing any biologic therapy.A close monitoring of skin condition is highly advisable in patients receiving biologic therapies for psoriasis.

A Review of the Immunologic Pathways Involved in Bullous Pemphigoid and Novel Therapeutic Targets

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is a rare, chronic antibody-mediated autoimmune blistering disease primarily affecting the elderly, with an age of onset over 60. Current treatment options are limited and involve the use of corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, but their long-term use is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In Japan, human intravenous immunoglobin is approved for the treatment of corticosteroid-refractory BP. However, no treatment option is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the management of BP. Therefore, developing effective therapies free of debilitating side effects is imperative. In this review, we summarize the main immunologic pathways involved in the pathogenesis of BP, with an emphasis on the role of eosinophils, immunoglobulins, cytokines such as the interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-5, and complements. We further discuss the latest advances with novel therapeutic targets tested for the management of BP. Ongoing efforts are needed to run well-designed controlled trials and test the efficacy and safety of investigational drugs while providing much-needed access to these medications for refractory patients who will not otherwise be able to afford them as off-label prescriptions.

Pemphigus and Pemphigoid: From Disease Mechanisms to Druggable Pathways

Pemphigus and pemphigoid are paradigms for understanding the mechanisms of antibody-mediated autoimmune disease in humans. In pemphigus, IgG4-predominant autoantibodies cause intraepidermal blistering by direct interference with desmoglein interactions and subsequent disruption of desmosomes and signaling pathways. In pemphigoid, IgG1, IgG4, and IgE autoantibodies against basement membrane zone antigens directly interfere with hemidesmosomal adhesion, activating complement and Fc receptor‒mediated effector pathways. Unraveling disease mechanisms in pemphigus and pemphigoid has identified numerous opportunities for clinical trials, which hold promise to identify safer and more effective therapies for these potentially life-threatening diseases.

Guselkumab-associated bullous pemphigoid in a psoriasis patient: A case report and review of the literature

Drug-induced bullous pemphigoid (DBP) associated to biologics administered for psoriasis is rare. DBP has been described especially in association with anti-TNF-α drugs and anti-IL12 and 23, but never in relation to guselkumab (anti-IL23). We report the case of a 76-year-old male patient with severe psoriasis (PASI 20), presenting with generalized tense bullae and erosions after being recently switched to guselkumab therapy. Histology and direct immunofluorescence confirmed the suspect of bullous pemphigoid (BP). Guselkumab administration was interrupted, low-dose oral corticosteroid therapy was introduced and after only 1-month remission was obtained with no new lesions appearing. As outlined in the presented case, DBP's onset typically follows the introduction of a new drug in patients taking polypharmacy. In addition, DBP may spontaneously regress after discontinuation of the triggering drug and it responds very rapidly to steroid therapy. Up to date, DBP has been described after biological therapy for psoriasis in 11 patients, following administration of ustekinumab, efalizumab, etanercept, secukinumab, and adalimumab. Conversely, DBP after guselkumab therapy for psoriasis has never been reported in published studies. We highlight the need to face and document increasing, though rare, side effects of biologic therapies, as new biologic molecules are being constantly developed and administered to psoriatic patients, to promptly interrupt treatment when needed.

Ulcerative colitis induced by ixekizumab: a case report

A possible case of ulcerative colitis (UC) developed during treatment with ixekizumab is reported. Ixekizumab is a human monoclonal antibody approved for chronic plaque psoriasis that works by blocking interleukin-17 (IL-17). Cytoquines, such as IL-17, may be involved in the pathophysiology of psoriasis and inflammatory bowel diseases. We describe the case of a 76-year-old woman who presented with an episode of acute self-limited colitis after receiving ten doses of ixekizumab. It was resolved after treatment withdrawal. A re-challenge was done after 3 months and symptoms returned. Colonoscopy results confirmed the diagnosis of UC. Symptoms remitted after drug discontinuation and treatment with corticosteroids. Four months after stopping ixekizumab, she remains asymptomatic and she is being treated with guselkumab with adequate response. The Naranjo algorithm revealed a probable causal relationship.This adverse event should be taken into account by physicians and pharmacists before prescribing or reviewing therapies in order to improve patients' safety.