B-cell depletion with rituximab in the treatment of autoimmune diseases

2021 update on thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy

PURPOSE

Our understanding of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO, A.K.A Graves' orbitopathy, thyroid eye disease) has advanced substantially, since one of us (TJS) wrote the 2010 update on TAO, appearing in this journal.

METHODS

PubMed was searched for relevant articles.

RESULTS

Recent insights have resulted from important studies conducted by many different laboratory groups around the World. A clearer understanding of autoimmune diseases in general and TAO specifically emerged from the use of improved research methodologies. Several key concepts have matured over the past decade. Among them, those arising from the refinement of mouse models of TAO, early stage investigation into restoring immune tolerance in Graves' disease, and a hard-won acknowledgement that the insulin-like growth factor-I receptor (IGF-IR) might play a critical role in the development of TAO, stand out as important. The therapeutic inhibition of IGF-IR has blossomed into an effective and safe medical treatment. Teprotumumab, a β-arrestin biased agonist monoclonal antibody inhibitor of IGF-IR has been studied in two multicenter, double-masked, placebo-controlled clinical trials demonstrated both effectiveness and a promising safety profile in moderate-to-severe, active TAO. Those studies led to the approval by the US FDA of teprotumumab, currently marketed as Tepezza for TAO. We have also learned far more about the putative role that CD34⁺ fibrocytes and their derivatives, CD34⁺ orbital fibroblasts, play in TAO.

CONCLUSION

The past decade has been filled with substantial scientific advances that should provide the necessary springboard for continually accelerating discovery over the next 10 years and beyond.

Recent advances in understanding autoimmune thyroid disease: the tallest tree in the forest of polyautoimmunity

Autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) is often observed together with other autoimmune diseases. The coexistence of two or more autoimmune diseases in the same patient is referred to as polyautoimmunity, and AITD is the autoimmune disease most frequently involved. The occurrence of polyautoimmunity has led to the hypothesis that the affected patients suffer from a generalized dysregulation of their immune system. The present review summarizes recent discoveries unravelling the immunological mechanisms involved in autoimmunity, ranging from natural autoimmunity to disease-specific autoimmunity. Furthermore, the clinical grounds for considering AITD in a setting of polyautoimmunity are explored. A better understanding of these may pave the way for designing new treatment modalities targeting the underlying immune dysregulation when AITD appears in the context of polyautoimmunity.

Pancreas-protective effect of rituximab for acute-onset type 1 diabetes in the honeymoon period: a case report

A randomized controlled study of rituximab demonstrated that the drug protects pancreatic function in patients with acute-onset type 1 diabetes mellitus (AOT1DM). However, the mechanism of this protective effect is poorly understood. We examined the effects of rituximab in two patients with AOT1DM in the honeymoon period and the mechanism of these effects. Case 1 was a 40-year-old man and Case 2 was a 45-year-old man, both diagnosed with AOT1DM. Various tests indicated intact capacity for endogenous insulin secretion and that they were in the honeymoon phase of AOT1DM. Treatment with rituximab protected against pancreatic β-cell damage and maintained somewhat the endogenous insulin secretion. In Case 2, HbA1c level was maintained below 6.5% up to 24 months after treatment. However, in Case 1, the patient showed a gradual increase in HbA1c level starting around 9 months but fell at 12 months to >9.0% and required an insulin dose about twice greater than that of Case 2. High spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) levels were recorded in the two patients before rituximab administration and after the treatment, the levels were further increased in Case 1, but decreased in Case 2. Both patients require continuous careful follow-up for glycemic control, insulin secretion capacity, and adverse reactions in the future. Although the clinical relevance of high Syk levels in AOT1DM patients remains unclear, the difference in the change in Syk level between the two patients may explain the different clinical courses.

LEARNING POINTS

We described the pancreas-protective effect of rituximab in two patients with acute-onset type 1 diabetes mellitus in the honeymoon period and investigated the possible mechanism of action.The present study demonstrated that treatment with rituximab maintained endogenous insulin secretion capacity for 2 years in the two patients.The phosphorylated-spleen tyrosine kinase (p-Syk) data suggest that the differences in HbA1c level and the required insulin dose between the two patients could be due to reactivation or nonreactivation of β-cells.

Characterization of Regulatory B Cells in Graves' Disease and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

A hallmark of regulatory B cells is IL-10 production, hence their designation as IL-10⁺ B cells. Little is known about the ability of self-antigens to induce IL-10⁺ B cells in Graves’ disease (GD), Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT), or other autoimmune disease. Here we pulsed purified B cells from 12 HT patients, 12 GD patients, and 12 healthy donors with the thyroid self-antigen, thyroglobulin (TG) and added the B cells back to the remaining peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). This procedure induced IL-10⁺ B-cell differentiation in GD. A similar tendency was observed in healthy donors, but not in cells from patients with HT. In GD, B cells primed with TG induced IL-10-producing CD4⁺ T cells. To assess the maximal frequency of inducible IL-10⁺ B cells in the three donor groups PBMCs were stimulated with PMA/ionomycin. The resulting IL-10⁺ B-cell frequency was similar in the three groups and correlated with free T₃ levels in GD patients. IL-10⁺ B cells from both patient groups displayed CD25 or TIM-1 more frequently than did those from healthy donors. B-cell expression of two surface marker combinations previously associated with regulatory B-cell functions, CD24^hiCD38^hi and CD27⁺CD43⁺, did not differ between patients and healthy donors. In conclusion, our findings indicate that autoimmune thyroiditis is not associated with reduced frequency of IL-10⁺ B cells. These results do not rule out regulatory B-cell dysfunction, however. The observed phenotypic differences between IL-10⁺ B cells from patients and healthy donors are discussed.

Induction of thyroid remission using rituximab in a patient with type 3 autoimmune polyglandular syndrome including Graves' disease and type 1 diabetes mellitus: a case report

Rituximab (RTX) is a monoclonal antibody that targets the B-cell-specific CD20 antigen. Recent reports indicate that RTX is effective against type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and hematologic as well as autoimmune diseases. Other studies have indicated that RTX therapy leads to the remission of recurrent or active Graves' disease (GD). However, the efficacy of RTX in Japanese patients with autoimmune polyglandular syndrome (APS) has not been reported to date. Herein, we report the case of a patient with GD and T1DM with sustained endogenous insulin secretion capacity. To protect pancreatic β cells, we administered RTX at a dose of 500 mg (approximately 300 mg/m2) on 2 occasions 1 week apart. After treatment, no adverse effects were observed, and thyroid stimulating hormone receptor antibody (TRAb) was no longer detectable 4 months after RTX administration. In addition, the reduction in TRAb level improved thyroid function. Notably, the treatment induced remission over a period of 1 year after the diagnosis of GD.

Uptake and presentation of myelin basic protein by normal human B cells

B cells may play both pathogenic and protective roles in T-cell mediated autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). These functions relate to the ability of B cells to bind and present antigens. Under serum-free conditions we observed that 3–4% of circulating B cells from healthy donors were capable of binding the MS-associated self-antigen myelin basic protein (MBP) and of presenting the immunodominant peptide MBP85-99, as determined by staining with the mAb MK16 recognising the peptide presented by HLA-DR15-positive cells. In the presence of serum, however, the majority of B cells bound MBP in a complement-dependent manner, and almost half of the B cells became engaged in presentation of MBP85-99. Even though complement receptor 1 (CR1, CD35) and CR2 (CD21) both contributed to binding of MBP to B cells, only CR2 was important for the subsequent presentation of MBP85-99. A high proportion of MBP85-99 presenting B cells expressed CD27, and showed increased expression of CD86 compared to non-presenting B cells. MBP-pulsed B cells induced a low frequency of IL-10-producing CD4+ T cells in 3 out of 6 donors, indicating an immunoregulatory role of B cells presenting MBP-derived peptides. The mechanisms described here refute the general assumption that B-cell presentation of self-antigens requires uptake via specific B-cell receptors, and may be important for maintenance of tolerance as well as for driving T-cell responses in autoimmune diseases.

Rituximab therapy in steroid-resistant severe hypothyroid Grave's ophthalmopathy

Association of Grave's ophthalmopathy with hyperthyroidism is well known, and it has also been reported in euthyroid or hypothyroid autoimmune thyroiditis, which rarely requires treatment. Here, we report a case of bilaterally symmetrical severe corticosteroid-resistant hypothyroid Grave's ophthalmopathy successfully treated with rituximab.

Acute thyroid eye disease (TED): principles of medical and surgical management

The active inflammatory phase of thyroid eye disease (TED) is mediated by the innate immune system, and management is aimed at aborting this self-limited period of autoimmune activity. In most patients with TED, ocular and adnexal changes are mild and management involves controlling thyroid dysfunction, cessation of smoking, and addressing ocular surface inflammation and exposure. In patients with acute moderate disease, this being sufficient to impair orbital functions, immunosuppression reduces the long-term sequelae of acute inflammation, and adjunctive fractionated low-dose orbital radiotherapy is used as a steroid-sparing measure. Elective surgery is often required following moderate TED, be it for proptosis, diplopia, lid retraction, or to debulk the eyelid, and this should be delayed until the disease is quiescent, with the patient stable and weaned off all immunosuppression. Thus, surgical intervention during the active phase of moderate disease is rarely indicated, although clinical experience suggests that, where there is significant orbital congestion, early orbital decompression can limit progression to more severe disease. Acute severe TED poses a major risk of irreversible loss of vision due to marked exposure keratopathy, 'hydraulic' orbital congestion, or compressive optic neuropathy. If performed promptly, retractor recession with or without a suture tarsorrhaphy protects the ocular surface from severe exposure and, in patients not responding to high-dose corticosteroid treatment, decompression of the deep medial orbital wall and floor can rapidly relieve compressive optic neuropathy, as well as alleviate the inflammatory and congestive features of raised orbital pressure.

Decrease in proportion of CD19+ CD24(hi) CD27+ B cells and impairment of their suppressive function in Graves' disease

IL-10-producing B cells (B10 cells) have been shown to play a suppressive role in the peripheral blood of humans, with their numbers and function altered in several autoimmune diseases. However, the role of B10 cells in Graves' disease (GD) remains unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that B10 cells in human peripheral blood belonged to a CD24(hi)CD27(+) B cell subpopulation. The proportion of B10 cells along with the CD19(+)CD24(hi)CD27(+) B cell subset was significantly lower in new-onset patients compared with healthy individuals. In recovered patients, these proportions were restored to levels similar to those seen in healthy individuals. Additionally, we found that CD19(+)CD24(hi)CD27(+) B cells from healthy individuals inhibited proliferation and TNF-α production of CD4(+) T cells via an IL-10-independent pathway. They also inhibited IFN-γ production by CD4(+) T cells, through an IL-10-dependent pathway. In contrast, their suppressive function on CD4(+) T cell proliferation and cytokine production was impaired in new-onset and recovered patients compared with healthy individuals. Our study provides evidence that CD19(+)CD24(hi)CD27(+) B cells may possess the capacity to downregulate immune responses, partially by production of IL-10 in human peripheral blood. Impairment of their immunosuppressive function may contribute to GD pathogenesis and relapse.

Efficacy and Complications of Intravitreal Rituximab Injection for Treating Primary Vitreoretinal Lymphoma

PURPOSE

To assess the long-term clinical outcomes of intravitreal injections of rituximab (IVR), an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, to treat CD20-positive primary vitreoretinal lymphoma (PVRL).

METHODS

Twenty eyes of 13 women (mean age, 66.2 ± 9.9 years) with CD20-positive PVRL were included in this prospective, interventional case series. All patients had discontinued previous intravitreal methotrexate (IVM) treatment because of severe corneal epitheliopathy. Weekly IVR injections (1 mg/0.1 ml) for 4 weeks were administered as a one-course protocol. Additional injections were administered when the PVRL recurred. The effects and the adverse events associated with IVR injections were evaluated.

RESULTS

All patients completed a 1-year follow-up (mean observation after IVR injections, 24.7 ± 6.3 months). Before treatment, diffuse keratic precipitates (KPs), anterior vitreous cells, or both were observed in 18 (90%) eyes of 11 patients, and typical subretinal infiltrates were seen in eight (40%) eyes of six patients; all improved with one treatment course. The anterior segment lesions recurred in 11 (55%) eyes of nine patients and resolved with another course of injections. Transient IOP elevations occurred in 12 (60%) eyes of 10 patients within 3.8 ± 1.9 weeks after the first treatment course; iridocyclitis with mutton-fat KPs developed in seven (35%) eyes of six patients with elevated IOP and resolved with topical treatment. No other significant ocular complications or systemic side effects developed.

CONCLUSIONS

Injections of IVR were shown to be an efficacious alternative treatment for PVRL, although the disease recurred in approximately half of the eyes. Complications included transient IOP elevations and iridocyclitis with mutton-fat KPs that were managed topically.

TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE

The results of this trial support IVR as one element of combined modality therapy for treating PVRL patients without CNS involvement, particularly for those who respond poorly and have side effects with IVM. (http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/ number, UMIN000005604).

Immunoregulation by naturally occurring and disease-associated autoantibodies : binding to cytokines and their role in regulation of T-cell responses

The role of naturally occurring autoantibodies (NAbs) in homeostasis and in disease manifestations is poorly understood. In the present chapter, we review how NAbs may interfere with the cytokine network and how NAbs, through formation of complement-activating immune complexes with soluble self-antigens, may promote the uptake and presentation of self-molecules by antigen-presenting cells. Both naturally occurring and disease-associated autoantibodies against a variety of cytokines have been reported, including NAbs against interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, interferon (IFN)-α, IFN-β, IFN-γ, macrophage chemotactic protein-1 and IL-21. NAbs against a variety of other self-antigens have also been reported, and using thyroglobulin as an example we discuss how NAbs are capable of promoting uptake of immune complexes via complement receptors and Fc-receptors on antigen-presenting cells and thereby regulate T-cell activity. Knowledge of the influence of NAbs against cytokines on immune homeostasis is likely to have wide-ranging implications both in understanding pathogenesis and in treatment of many immunoinflammatory disorders, including a number of autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases.

Immunotherapy in miscellaneous medical disorders Graves ophthalmopathy, asthma, and regional painful syndrome

In Graves ophthalmopathy, immunotherapy is offering an opportunity of reducing bad outcomes that lead to disfigurement and impairment of vision. These therapies are not perfect; however, we now have a chance to achieve better outcomes. In asthma, immune therapy using passive immunity targeting key proinflammatory cytokine/chemokines and medications of their effects has opened an avenue of research into a safe and durable therapy. Omalizumab appears to be safe and effective in clinical use. In regional pain syndrome, immune mechanisms may be involved in sustaining long-standing pain, and IVIG may moderate pain sensitivity by reducing immune activation.

Systemic adverse events following rituximab therapy in patients with Graves' disease

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Rituximab (RTX) therapy has shown promising results in Graves' disease (GD), with or without ophthalmopathy. We examined the occurrence of adverse events in GD patients treated with RTX.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Ten patients received RTX and methimazole, while 10 patients received methimazole only. Adverse events were recorded, and the presence of circulating immune complexes (CIC) was measured as IgG, IgM and complement component 3 (C3) depositing on normal monocytes following incubation with patient plasma.

RESULTS

Five patients had benign infusion-related adverse events at first infusion. Two patients developed a serum sickness-like reaction 11 days after the first RTX-infusion. One of these patients developed diarrhea, raised orosomucoid levels, lowgrade inflammation in colonoscopic biopsies, and iridocyclitis 1 yr later. At day 14, the most pronounced immunoglobulin/ C3-adherent to the test monocytes, indicative of CIC, was observed in the presence of plasma from these 2 patients (p=0.003 to p=0.01 vs asymptomatic patients). A 3rd patient had recurrent fever and symmetric polyarthritis from day 38, and colonoscopy-verified ulcerative colitis at day 68. This patient had the 3rd highest increase in Ig deposition on monocytes by day 14. The arthralgias persisted in 2 of the patients, despite glucocorticoid rescue therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

We report articular adverse events in 3 and gastrointestinal symptoms in 2 out of 10 GD patients who received RTX without concurrent immunosupression. The joint symptoms were related to CIC formation.

Monocytes mediate shaving of B-cell-bound anti-CD20 antibodies

Anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies are promising for the treatment of B-cell malignancies such as chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and autoimmune diseases where auto-antibodies play an important role. Anti-CD20 such as rituximab (RTX) mediates B-cell depletion through mechanisms such as complement-mediated cytotoxicity and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. However, in haematological malignancies, such effector mechanisms can be saturated and result in release of malignant B cells with reduced levels of CD20. It has been hypothesized that this is the result of monocyte-mediated shaving of the CD20/RTX complex from the B-cell surface. Here, we confirm, that in vitro co-culture of human monocytes and RTX-labelled syngeneic B cells results in reduced expression of CD20/RTX complex on the B cell surface. This shaving mechanism was the result of active protease activity because EDTA and PMSF were able to mediate partial inhibition. Also, a series of alternative anti-CD20 antibodies representing both type I and type II antibodies were tested for their ability to induce the shaving reaction. These results demonstrate that a monocyte-mediated shaving reaction can lead to complete loss of most anti-CD20 antibodies from the surface of B cells even from healthy donors and this is an important obstacle for antibody-mediated immune therapy. The findings demonstrate the necessity of developing novel antibodies that maintain high effector functions without enabling activation of the shaving reaction.

The dilemma of how to manage Graves' hyperthyroidism in patients with associated orbitopathy

CONTEXT

Graves' orbitopathy (GO) is present in about 50% of patients with Graves' hyperthyroidism. It may range from mild to moderately severe and (rarely) to sight-threatening. Whether antithyroid drugs (ATDs), radioactive iodine (RAI), or thyroidectomy should be the treatment of choice in the presence of overt and active GO is a matter of debate.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

The major source of data acquisition included PubMed search strategies. Articles published in the last 30 yr were screened. Furthermore, the bibliographies of relevant citations and chapters of major textbooks were evaluated for any additional appropriate citation.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Prompt restoration and stable maintenance of euthyroidism is important for the course of GO. ATDs and thyroidectomy per se do not influence the natural history of GO. RAI can cause progression or de novo development of GO, particularly in smokers. This effect can be prevented by oral steroid prophylaxis. In patients with mild orbitopathy, the choice of thyroid treatment is largely independent of GO. Moderate-to-severe and active GO should be treated without delay. Whether in these patients, concomitant treatment of hyperthyroidism should be conservative (ATDs) or ablative (RAI, thyroidectomy, or both) is presently based on expert opinion rather than evidence. Emerging and potentially interesting biological agents, such as rituximab, counteracting pathogenic mechanisms of both hyperthyroidism and GO, need to be evaluated in randomized clinical trials.

CONCLUSIONS

The choice of the optimal treatment for hyperthyroidism in patients with moderate-to-severe and active GO remains unsettled and is mainly based on personal experience. Randomized clinical trials in this field are eagerly needed.

Targeted biological therapies for Graves' disease and thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy. Focus on B-cell depletion with Rituximab

Based on experience from the treatment of other autoimmune diseases and because of the limitations imposed by existing therapeutic options for Graves' disease (GD) and thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO), rituximab (RTX) was recently proposed as a novel therapy option. Here, we summarize the rationale for using RTX; give an overview of the possible mechanisms of action; and give an account of its effects and side-effects when used in GD and TAO. Scant evidence, originating from only a few methodologically inhomogeneous studies, suggests that RTX may prolong remission for hyperthyroidism over that seen with antithyroid drugs, at least in mild GD. Furthermore, in patients with TAO, who are unresponsive to conventional immunosuppressive therapy, RTX seems efficacious. As we wait for larger-scale randomized studies, RTX, should be considered experimental and reserved for patients who do not respond favourably to conventional therapy. It is the first in what is likely to be a series of new and emerging treatments specifically targeting relevant components of the immune system. Further studies will hopefully lead to improved and better tailored, individualized therapy for GD and especially TAO.

Immunopathogenesis of thyroid eye disease: emerging paradigms

Graves disease represents a systemic autoimmune process targeting the thyroid, orbit, and pretibial skin. The thyroid dysfunction is treatable, but no consistently effective medical therapy has yet been described for the orbital manifestations of Graves disease, also known as thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy or thyroid eye disease. Several autoantigens are potentially relevant to the pathogenesis of thyroid eye disease. Activating antibodies generated against the thyrotropin receptor can be detected in a majority of patients, and these drive hyperthyroidism. However, stimulating antibodies against the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) may also play a role in the extra-thyroid manifestations of Graves disease. IGF-1R is overexpressed by orbital fibroblasts derived from patients with thyroid eye disease, whereas IGF-1R(+) T and IGF-1R(+) B cells are considerably more frequent in Graves disease. Actions of several cytokines and the molecular interplay peculiar to the orbit appear to provoke the inflammation, fat expansion, and deposition of excessive extracellular matrix molecules in thyroid eye disease. Based upon these new insights, several therapeutic strategies can now be proposed that, for the first time, might specifically interrupt its pathogenesis.

Rituximab treatment of patients with severe, corticosteroid-resistant thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy

PURPOSE

To study the effectiveness of anti-CD20 (rituximab [RTX]; Rituxan; Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA) therapy in patients with severe, corticosteroid (CS)-resistant thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO).

DESIGN

Retrospective, interventional case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Six consecutive subjects with severe, progressive TAO unresponsive to CS.

METHODS

Electronic medical record review of consecutive patients receiving RTX during the previous 18 months. Responses to therapy were graded using standard clinical assessment and flow cytometric analysis of peripheral lymphocytes.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Clinical activity score (CAS), proptosis, strabismus, treatment side effects, and quantification of regulatory T cells.

RESULTS

Six patients were studied. Systemic CS failed to alter clinical activity in all patients (mean CAS+/-standard deviation, 5.3+/-1.0 before vs. 5.5+/-0.8 during therapy for 7.5+/-6.4 months; P = 1.0). However, after RTX treatment, CAS improved from 5.5+/-0.8 to 1.3+/-0.5 at 2 months after treatment (P<0.03) and remained quiescent in all patients (CAS, 0.7+/-0.8; P<0.0001) at a mean follow-up of 6.2+/-4.5 months. Vision improved bilaterally in all 4 patients with dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON). None of the 6 patients experienced disease relapse after RTX infusion, and proptosis remained stable (Hertel measurement, 24+/-3.7 mm before therapy and 23.6+/-3.7 mm after therapy; P = 0.17). The abundance of T regulatory cells, assessed in 1 patient, increased within 1 week of RTX and remained elevated at 18 months of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

In progressive, CS-resistant TAO, rapid and sustained resolution of orbital inflammation and DON followed treatment with RTX.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Graves orbitopathy: a perspective

Advances in the past few years have helped clinicians understand some of the pathogenetic mechanisms of Graves orbitopathy (GO), particularly the role of receptors for TSH and insulin-like growth factor I in the orbit. Optimal treatment strategies have been formulated and published by the European Group on Graves' Orbitopathy, which are hoped to improve the management of patients with this condition. The administration of intravenous pulses of steroids has been established as a superior treatment approach compared with other steroid regimens. In addition, orbital radiotherapy was effective in a subgroup of patients with GO who had eye dysmotility. The use of immunotherapies for the treatment of GO is currently being explored; of these, rituximab has emerged as a promising new agent.

Treatment of Graves' hyperthyroidism: evidence-based and emerging modalities

Currently there are three well-established treatment options for hyperthyroid Graves' disease (GD): antithyroid drug therapy with thionamides (ATD), radioactive iodine treatment with (131)I, and thyroid surgery. This article reviews the current evidence so the reader can evaluate advantages and disadvantages of these treatment modalities. Surgery is rarely used, except for patients who have a large goiter or ophthalmopathy. Fewer than 50% of patients treated with ATD remain in long-term remission. Therefore, radioactive iodine is used increasingly. No data as yet support the routine use of biologic therapies (eg, rituximab). Prospective, randomized studies comparing available and any novel therapeutic options for GD are needed. The focus of these studies should include, but not be limited to, cost and quality of life.

Treatment of Graves' disease with rituximab specifically reduces the production of thyroid stimulating autoantibodies

Treatment of Graves' disease (GD) with the B-lymphocyte depleting agent rituximab in addition to standard methimazole-therapy prolongs remission. Paradoxically, it does not mediate a reduction in thyrotropin receptor antibody (TRAb) levels over that of methimazole monotherapy. Using a bioassay involving Chinese hamster ovary cells transfected with the human thyrotropin receptor, we found that the stimulatory capacity of TRAbs was reduced markedly, by 66+/-22%, upon treatment with rituximab and methimazole for 21 days (p<0.0001), compared to an increase by 33% on average (NS) in patients receiving methimazole alone (p=0.04 between groups). The overall levels of TRAbs decreased by around 15% in both groups. Within one year of follow-up, rituximab therapy mediated specific decreases in thyroid-peroxidase antibody- and IgM levels, whereas IgG levels were unaffected. The data indicate that rituximab therapy has differential effects on pathogenic and non-pathogenic autoantibodies, even when directed against the same antigen. The possible mechanisms underlying this hitherto unappreciated phenomenon are discussed.

B cells from patients with Graves' disease aberrantly express the IGF-1 receptor: implications for disease pathogenesis

Graves' disease (GD) is an autoimmune process involving the thyroid and connective tissues in the orbit and pretibial skin. Activating anti-thyrotropin receptor Abs are responsible for hyperthyroidism in GD. However, neither these autoAbs nor the receptor they are directed against have been convincingly implicated in the connective tissue manifestations. Insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R)-bearing fibroblasts overpopulate connective tissues in GD and when ligated with IgGs from these patients, express the T cell chemoattractants, IL-16, and RANTES. Disproportionately large fractions of peripheral blood T cells also express IGF-1R in patients with GD and may account, at least in part, for expansion of IGF-1R(+) memory T cells. We now report a similarly skewed B cell population exhibiting the IGF-1R(+) phenotype from the blood, orbit, and bone marrow of patients with GD. This expression profile exhibits durability in culture and is maintained or increased with CpG activation. Moreover, IGF-1R(+) B cells produce pathogenic Abs against the thyrotropin receptor. In lymphocytes from patients with GD, IGF-1 enhanced IgG production (p < 0.05) and increased B cell expansion (p < 0.02) in vitro while those from control donors failed to respond. These findings suggest a potentially important role for IGF-1R display by B lymphocytes in patients with GD in supporting their expansion and abnormal Ig production.

B cell depletion inhibits spontaneous autoimmune thyroiditis in NOD.H-2h4 mice

B cells are important for the development of most autoimmune diseases. B cell depletion immunotherapy has emerged as an effective treatment for several human autoimmune diseases, although it is unclear whether B cells are necessary for disease induction, autoantibody production, or disease progression. To address the role of B cells in a murine model of spontaneous autoimmune thyroiditis (SAT), B cells were depleted from adult NOD.H-2h4 mice using anti-mouse CD20 mAb. Anti-CD20 depleted most B cells in peripheral blood and cervical lymph nodes and 50-80% of splenic B cells. Flow cytometry analysis showed that marginal zone B cells in the spleen were relatively resistant to depletion by anti-CD20, whereas most follicular and transitional (T2) B cells were depleted after anti-CD20 treatment. When anti-CD20 was administered before development of SAT, development of SAT and anti-mouse thyroglobulin autoantibody responses were reduced. Anti-CD20 also reduced SAT severity and inhibited further increases in anti-mouse thyroglobulin autoantibodies when administered to mice that already had autoantibodies and thyroid inflammation. The results suggest that B cells are necessary for initiation as well as progression or maintenance of SAT in NOD.H-2h4 mice.

Perspectives in pharmacological management of Graves' hyperthyroidism and orbitopathy

Drugs currently used for Graves' hyperthyroidism (thionamides) or for the major extrathyroidal expression of Graves' disease, Graves' orbitopathy (systemic glucocorticoids with or without orbital radiotherapy), have limited effects on the autoimmune processes underpinning these disorders. Thionamides show a high rate of treatment failure and at least 30% of patients with Graves' orbitopathy are eventually dissatisfied with treatment outcome. Progress in our understanding of the autoimmune basis of Graves' hyperthyroidism and orbitopathy made it possible, similar to other autoimmune disorders, to envision the use of novel immunomodulating drugs. Among the currently available biologic agents, the CD20(+) B-cell-depleting agent, rituximab, and TNF-alpha inhibitors are the drugs that have the highest chance of finding a place in the treatment of Graves' hyperthyroidism and orbitopathy, although randomized, controlled clinical trials are warranted to support their use.

The natural history of type 1A diabetes

We can now predict the development of Type 1A (Immune Mediated) diabetes primarily through the determination of four biochemically characterized islet autoantibodies [insulin, GAD65, IA-2 (ICA512) and (Znt8)]. Prediction is possible because beta-cell destruction is chronically progressive and very slow in most, but not all individuals. We can also prevent type 1A diabetes in animal models and a major goal is the prevention of type 1A diabetes in man with multiple clinical trials underway.