1
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Hamers SMWR, Boyle AL, Sharp TH. Engineering Agonistic Bispecifics to Investigate the Influence of Distance on Surface-Mediated Complement Activation. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2024; 213:235-243. [PMID: 38819221 PMCID: PMC11215631 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2400091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
The development of agonists capable of activating the human complement system by binding to the C1 complex presents a novel approach for targeted cell killing. Bispecific nanobodies and Abs can successfully use C1 for this purpose; however, efficacy varies significantly between epitopes, Ab type, and bispecific design. To address this variability, we investigated monomeric agonists of C1 in the form of bispecific nanobodies, which lack Fc domains that lead to oligomerization in Abs. These therefore offer an ideal opportunity to explore the geometric parameters crucial for C1 activation. In this study, we explored the impact of linker length as a metric for Ag and epitope location. DNA nanotechnology and protein engineering allowed us to design linkers with controlled lengths and flexibilities, revealing a critical range of end-to-end distances for optimal complement activation. We discovered that differences in complement activation were not caused by differential C1 activation or subsequent cleavage of C4, but instead impacted C4b deposition and downstream membrane lysis. Considering the importance of Ab class and subclass, this study provides insights into the structural requirements of C1 binding and activation, highlighting linker and hinge engineering as a potential strategy to enhance potency over specific cellular targets. Additionally, using DNA nanotechnology to modify geometric parameters demonstrated the potential for synthetic biology in complement activation. Overall, this research offers valuable insights into the design and optimization of agonists for targeted cell killing through complement activation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aimee L. Boyle
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
- School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas H. Sharp
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands
- School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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2
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Fukasawa T, Yoshizaki-Ogawa A, Sato S, Yoshizaki A. The role of B cells in systemic sclerosis. J Dermatol 2024; 51:904-913. [PMID: 38321641 DOI: 10.1111/1346-8138.17134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare and refractory systemic disease characterized by fibrosis and vasculopathy in the presence of autoimmune abnormalities. While the exact cause of SSc is incompletely understood, the specific autoantibodies identified in SSc are closely linked to disease severity and prognosis, indicating a significant role of autoimmune abnormalities in the pathogenesis of SSc. Although the direct pathogenic mechanisms of autoantibodies in SSc are not fully elucidated, numerous prior investigations have demonstrated the involvement of B cells in the pathogenesis of SSc through various mechanisms. Additionally, several clinical trials have explored the efficacy of B-cell depletion therapy for SSc, with many reporting positive outcomes. However, the role of B cells in SSc pathogenesis is multifaceted, as they can both promote inflammation and exert inhibitory functions. This article provides an overview of the involvement of B cells in SSc development, incorporating the latest research findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takemichi Fukasawa
- Department of Dermatology, Systemic Sclerosis Center, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Clinical Cannabinoid Research, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Asako Yoshizaki-Ogawa
- Department of Dermatology, Systemic Sclerosis Center, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinichi Sato
- Department of Dermatology, Systemic Sclerosis Center, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayumi Yoshizaki
- Department of Dermatology, Systemic Sclerosis Center, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Clinical Cannabinoid Research, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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3
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Favi E, Cresseri D, Perego M, Ikehata M, Iesari S, Campise MR, Morello W, Testa S, Sioli V, Mattinzoli D, Longhi E, Del Gobbo A, Castellano G, Ferraresso M. Sequential administration of anti-complement component C5 eculizumab and type-2 anti-CD20 obinutuzumab for the treatment of early antibody-mediated rejection after kidney transplantation: A proof of concept. Clin Immunol 2024; 264:110240. [PMID: 38734036 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2024.110240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Kidney transplant (KT) candidates with donor-specific antibodies (DSA) exhibit exceedingly high antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) and allograft loss rates. Currently, treatment of ABMR remains an unmet clinical need. We report the use of the anti-C5 eculizumab and the type-2 anti-CD20 obinutuzumab in two patients with early ABMR. Eculizumab (900 mg IV) led to complete inhibition of the terminal complement cascade (unremarkable AP50 and CH50 activity) and prompt stoppage of complement-dependent antibody-mediated allograft injury (clearance of intra-graft C4d and C5b-9 deposition). Despite complement inhibition, obinutuzumab (1000 mg IV) determined full and long-lasting peripheral B-cell depletion, with significant reduction in all DSA. Graft function improved, remaining stable up to three years of follow-up. No signs of active ABMR and rebound DSA were detected. Obinutuzumab B-cell depletion and inhibition of DSA production were not affected by complement blockage. Further studies are needed to confirm the potential benefit of obinutuzumab in association with complement inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evaldo Favi
- General Surgery and Kidney Transplantation, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy.
| | - Donata Cresseri
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Perego
- General Surgery and Kidney Transplantation, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Masami Ikehata
- Renal Research Laboratory, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Samuele Iesari
- General Surgery and Kidney Transplantation, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Campise
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - William Morello
- Pediatric Nephrology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Testa
- Pediatric Nephrology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Viviana Sioli
- Laboratorio di Immunologia dei Trapianti, Trapianti Lombardia - NITp, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Deborah Mattinzoli
- Renal Research Laboratory, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Longhi
- Laboratorio di Immunologia dei Trapianti, Trapianti Lombardia - NITp, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Del Gobbo
- Division of Pathology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Castellano
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy; Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Mariano Ferraresso
- General Surgery and Kidney Transplantation, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy
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Wang M, Yang J, Fang X, Lin W, Yang Y. Membranous nephropathy: pathogenesis and treatments. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e614. [PMID: 38948114 PMCID: PMC11214595 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Membranous nephropathy (MN), an autoimmune disease, can manifest at any age and is among the most common causes of nephrotic syndrome in adults. In 80% of cases, the specific etiology of MN remains unknown, while the remaining cases are linked to drug use or underlying conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus, hepatitis B virus, or malignancy. Although about one-third of patients may achieve spontaneous complete or partial remission with conservative management, another third face an elevated risk of disease progression, potentially leading to end-stage renal disease within 10 years. The identification of phospholipase A2 receptor as the primary target antigen in MN has brought about a significant shift in disease management and monitoring. This review explores recent advancements in the pathophysiology of MN, encompassing pathogenesis, clinical presentations, diagnostic criteria, treatment options, and prognosis, with a focus on emerging developments in pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies aimed at halting disease progression. By synthesizing the latest research findings and clinical insights, this review seeks to contribute to the ongoing efforts to enhance our understanding and management of this challenging autoimmune disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqiong Wang
- Department of NephrologyCenter for Regeneration and Aging MedicineThe Fourth Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicineand International School of Medicine, International Institutes of MedicineZhejiang UniversityYiwuChina
| | - Jingjuan Yang
- Department of NephrologyCenter for Regeneration and Aging MedicineThe Fourth Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicineand International School of Medicine, International Institutes of MedicineZhejiang UniversityYiwuChina
| | - Xin Fang
- Department of NephrologyCenter for Regeneration and Aging MedicineThe Fourth Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicineand International School of Medicine, International Institutes of MedicineZhejiang UniversityYiwuChina
| | - Weiqiang Lin
- Department of NephrologyCenter for Regeneration and Aging MedicineThe Fourth Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicineand International School of Medicine, International Institutes of MedicineZhejiang UniversityYiwuChina
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of NephrologyCenter for Regeneration and Aging MedicineThe Fourth Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicineand International School of Medicine, International Institutes of MedicineZhejiang UniversityYiwuChina
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Nguyen AT, Cotteret C, Gins C, Sarda E, Durrleman C, Mesples B, Bustamante J, Fayard C, Cisternino S, Desguerre I, Aubart M. Safety of Obinutuzumab in Children With Autoimmune Encephalitis and Early B-Cell Repopulation on Rituximab. Pediatr Neurol 2024; 156:79-84. [PMID: 38733858 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2024.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rituximab (RTX) resistance or early B-cells repopulation were observed in children but only few publications reported the use of Obinutuzumab and no recommendations were made concerning the dosage for children. METHODS This study was a single-center retrospective cohort study of all the children followed-up in the Pediatric Neurology Department of Necker-Enfants malades Hospital in Paris, France, and treated with obinutuzumab, between November 1, 2019, and November 1, 2021. RESULTS A total of eight children (three females, median age 4.5 years) were treated. Seven patients presented with autoimmune encephalitis and one with myeloradiculitis. The median delay of B-cell repopulation after a course of RTX was 87 days (range 41 to 160). A switch to obinutuzumab (anti-CD20) was performed for eight children. The median duration between the first RTX infusion and obinutuzumab administration was 6.6 months. The dosage regimen for obinutuzumab was one infusion of 1000 mg/1.73 m2, that is to say 580 mg/m2 (maximum 1000 mg/infusion), by extrapolation from the adult dosage. The median delay of B-cell repopulation after one course of obinutuzumab was 230 days (range 66 to 303 days) vs 87 days after one course of RTX (P < 0.01). None of the patients presented side effects with obinutuzumab treatment. All patients had a favorable evolution at the last-follow up. Median follow-up was 1.6 years. CONCLUSIONS This study reports the use of obinutuzumab in neurological inflammatory diseases in a pediatric population. Obinutuzumab seems to have a better biological efficacy than RTX with a longer time of B-cell repopulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Tien Nguyen
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, University of Paris Cité, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Camille Cotteret
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, University of Paris Cité, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Clarisse Gins
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, University of Paris Cité, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Eugénie Sarda
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, University of Paris Cité, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Chloé Durrleman
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, University of Paris Cité, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Bettina Mesples
- Department of Pediatrics, Louis Mourier Hospital, University of Paris Cité, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Jacinta Bustamante
- Study Center for Primary Immunodeficiencies, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, University of Paris Cité, AP-HP, Paris, France; Faculty of Pharmacy, Team Blood-Brain Barrier in Brain Pathophysiology and Therapy, University of Paris Cité, INSERM UMRS 1144, Paris, France
| | - Claire Fayard
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, University of Paris Cité, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Salvatore Cisternino
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, University of Paris Cité, AP-HP, Paris, France; Faculty of Pharmacy, Team Blood-Brain Barrier in Brain Pathophysiology and Therapy, University of Paris Cité, INSERM UMRS 1144, Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Desguerre
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, University of Paris Cité, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Mélodie Aubart
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, University of Paris Cité, AP-HP, Paris, France; Human Genetics of Infectious Diseases, INSERM UMR 1163, University of Paris Cité, Institut Imagine, Paris, France.
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6
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Weber LT, Habbig S, Hackl A. Difficult-to-Treat Nephrotic Syndrome in Childhood-Global Depletion of B-Cells. Kidney Int Rep 2024; 9:1969-1971. [PMID: 39081769 PMCID: PMC11284391 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2024.04.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lutz T. Weber
- Pediatric Nephrology, Children's and Adolescents' Hospital, University Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Sandra Habbig
- Pediatric Nephrology, Children's and Adolescents' Hospital, University Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Agnes Hackl
- Pediatric Nephrology, Children's and Adolescents' Hospital, University Hospital of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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7
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Ma C, Liu D, Wang B, Yang Y, Zhu R. Advancements and prospects of novel biologicals for myasthenia gravis: toward personalized treatment based on autoantibody specificities. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1370411. [PMID: 38881870 PMCID: PMC11177092 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1370411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an antibody-mediated autoimmune disease with a prevalence of 150-250 cases per million individuals. Autoantibodies include long-lived antibodies against the acetylcholine receptor (AChR), mainly of the IgG1 subclass, and IgG4, produced almost exclusively by short-lived plasmablasts, which are prevalent in muscle-specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK) myasthenia gravis. Numerous investigations have demonstrated that MG patients receiving conventional medication today still do not possess satisfactory symptom control, indicating a substantial disease burden. Subsequently, based on the type of the autoantibody and the pathogenesis, we synthesized the published material to date and reached a conclusion regarding the literature related to personalized targeted therapy for MG. Novel agents for AChR MG have shown their efficacy in clinical research, such as complement inhibitors, FcRn receptor antagonists, and B-cell activating factor (BAFF) inhibitors. Rituximab, a representative drug of anti-CD20 therapy, has demonstrated benefits in treatment of MuSK MG patients. Due to the existence of low-affinity antibodies or unidentified antibodies that are inaccessible by existing methods, the treatment for seronegative MG remains complicated; thus, special testing and therapy considerations are necessary. It may be advantageous to initiate the application of novel biologicals at an early stage of the disease. Currently, therapies can also be combined and individualized according to different types of antibodies. With such a wide range of drugs, how to tailor treatment strategies to patients with various conditions and find the most suitable solution for each MG profile are our necessary and urgent aims.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Ma
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Benqiao Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yingying Yang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ruixia Zhu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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8
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Provenzano M, Hu L, Tringali E, Senatore M, Talarico R, Di Dio M, Ruotolo C, La Manna G, Garofalo C, Zaza G. Improving Kidney Disease Care: One Giant Leap for Nephrology. Biomedicines 2024; 12:828. [PMID: 38672183 PMCID: PMC11048002 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12040828] [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: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Nephrology is an ever-evolving field of medicine. The importance of such a discipline is related to the high clinical impact of kidney disease. In fact, abnormalities of kidney function and/or structure are common in the general population, reaching an overall prevalence of about 10%. More importantly, the onset of kidney damage is related to a strikingly high risk of cardiovascular events, mortality, and progression to kidney failure which, in turn, compromises quality and duration of life. Attempts to comprehend the pathogenesis and molecular mechanisms involved in kidney disease occurrence have prompted the development and implementation of novel drugs in clinical practice with the aim of treating the 'specific cause' of kidney disease (including chronic kidney disease, glomerular disease, and genetic kidney disorders) and the main immunological complications following kidney transplantation. Herein, we provide an overview of the principal emerging drug classes with proved efficacy in the context of the aforementioned clinical conditions. This can represent a simplified guide for clinical nephrologists to remind them of the vast and heterogeneous armamentarium of drugs that should be used in the present and the future to improve the management of patients suffering from kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Provenzano
- Department of Pharmacy Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (M.S.); (R.T.)
| | - Lilio Hu
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Kidney Transplant Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (L.H.); (E.T.); (G.L.M.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Edoardo Tringali
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Kidney Transplant Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (L.H.); (E.T.); (G.L.M.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Massimo Senatore
- Department of Pharmacy Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (M.S.); (R.T.)
| | - Roberta Talarico
- Department of Pharmacy Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (M.S.); (R.T.)
| | - Michele Di Dio
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, SS Annunziata Hospital, 87100 Cosenza, Italy;
| | - Chiara Ruotolo
- Unit of Nephrology, Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (C.R.); (C.G.)
| | - Gaetano La Manna
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Kidney Transplant Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (L.H.); (E.T.); (G.L.M.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Carlo Garofalo
- Unit of Nephrology, Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (C.R.); (C.G.)
| | - Gianluigi Zaza
- Department of Pharmacy Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (M.S.); (R.T.)
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Alberici F, Mescia F, Scolari F. The place of cyclical therapy for the treatment of membranous nephropathy in the era of rituximab. Clin Kidney J 2023; 16:1426-1431. [PMID: 37669306 PMCID: PMC10468754 DOI: 10.1093/ckj/sfad081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary membranous nephropathy (MN) is the most frequent cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults, due to a variety of autoantibodies, most frequently against phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R). In severe cases or when spontaneous remission is not achieved, immunosuppression is required. Cyclical therapy, based on glucocorticoids and cyclophosphamide on alternate months for 6 months, has proven effective to induce remission and reduce the risk of end-stage renal disease. Since the early 2000s, rituximab (RTX) has emerged as a key player in the management of MN, showing overall comparable effectiveness and likely better safety compared with the cyclical regimen, despite the lack of adequately powered trials comparing the two approaches head to head. For these reasons, RTX is now considered the agent of choice for most patients with MN. However, there are still uncertainties. Around 20-40% of patients are resistant to RTX, especially in the setting of high anti-PLA2R levels, and this drug remains relatively unexplored in patients with the most severe disease. In these scenarios, although the expanding therapeutic armamentarium is probably going to provide further options, the cyclical regimen still plays a key role as a safety net. The aim of this article is to illustrate the role of cyclical therapy in the RTX era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Alberici
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Nephrology Unit, Spedali Civili di Brescia Hospital, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Federica Mescia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Nephrology Unit, Spedali Civili di Brescia Hospital, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesco Scolari
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Nephrology Unit, Spedali Civili di Brescia Hospital, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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10
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Angeletti A, Bruschi M, Kajana X, La Porta E, Spinelli S, Caridi G, Lugani F, Verrina EE, Ghiggeri GM. Biologics in steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome in childhood: review and new hypothesis-driven treatment. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1213203. [PMID: 37705972 PMCID: PMC10497215 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1213203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Nephrotic syndrome affects about 2-7 per 100,000 children yearly and accounts for less than 15% of end stage kidney disease. Steroids still represent the cornerstone of therapy achieving remission in 75-90% of the cases The remaining part result as steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome, characterized by the elevated risk of developing end stage kidney disease and frequently presenting disease recurrence in case of kidney transplant. The pathogenesis of nephrotic syndrome is still far to be elucidated, however, efficacy of immune treatments provided the basis to suggest the involvement of the immune system in the pathogenesis of the disease. Based on these substrates, more immune drugs, further than steroids, were administered in steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome, such as antiproliferative and alkylating agents or calcineurin inhibitors. However, such treatments failed in inducing a sustained remission. In last two decades, the developments of monoclonal antibodies, including the anti-CD20 rituximab and inhibitor of B7-1 abatacept, represented a valid opportunity of treatment. However, also the effectiveness of biologics resulted limited. We here propose a new hypothesis-driven treatment based on the combining administration of rituximab with the anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody daratumumab (NCT05704400), sustained by the hypothesis to target the entire B-cells subtypes pool, including the long-lived plasmacells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Angeletti
- Division of Nephrology, Dialysis, Transplantation, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
- Laboratory of Molecular Nephrology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Maurizio Bruschi
- Division of Nephrology, Dialysis, Transplantation, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Xhuliana Kajana
- Laboratory of Molecular Nephrology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Edoardo La Porta
- Division of Nephrology, Dialysis, Transplantation, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
- Laboratory of Molecular Nephrology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Sonia Spinelli
- Laboratory of Molecular Nephrology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Gianluca Caridi
- Laboratory of Molecular Nephrology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Francesca Lugani
- Division of Nephrology, Dialysis, Transplantation, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
- Laboratory of Molecular Nephrology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Enrico Eugenio Verrina
- Division of Nephrology, Dialysis, Transplantation, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
- Laboratory of Molecular Nephrology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Gian Marco Ghiggeri
- Division of Nephrology, Dialysis, Transplantation, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
- Laboratory of Molecular Nephrology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
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Caravaca-Fontán F, Yandian F, Fervenza FC. Future landscape for the management of membranous nephropathy. Clin Kidney J 2023; 16:1228-1238. [PMID: 37529655 PMCID: PMC10387398 DOI: 10.1093/ckj/sfad041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Among all glomerular diseases, membranous nephropathy (MN) is perhaps the one in which major progress has been made in recent decades, in both the understanding of the pathogenesis and treatment. Despite the overall significant response rates to these therapies-particularly rituximab and cyclical regimen based on corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide-cumulative experience over the years has shown, however, that 20%-30% of cases may confront resistant disease. Thus, these unmet challenges in the treatment of resistant forms of MN require newer approaches. Several emerging new agents-developed primarily for the treatment of hematological malignancies or rheumatoid diseases-are currently being evaluated in MN. Herein we conducted a narrative review on future therapeutic strategies in the disease. Among the different novel therapies, newer anti-CD20 agents (e.g. obinutuzumab), anti-CD38 (e.g. daratumumab, felzartamab), immunoadsorption or anti-complement therapies (e.g. iptacopan) have gained special attention. In addition, several technologies and innovations developed primarily for cancer (e.g. chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, sweeping antibodies) seem particularly promising. In summary, the future therapeutic landscape in MN seems encouraging and will definitely move the management of this disease towards a more precision-based approach.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Federico Yandian
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital de Clínicas “Dr Manuel Quintela”, Montevideo, Uruguay
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12
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Vincenti F, Angeletti A, Ghiggeri GM. State of the art in childhood nephrotic syndrome: concrete discoveries and unmet needs. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1167741. [PMID: 37503337 PMCID: PMC10368981 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1167741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a clinical entity characterized by proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and peripheral edema. NS affects about 2-7 per 100,000 children aged below 18 years old yearly and is classified, based on the response to drugs, into steroid sensitive (SSNS), steroid dependent, (SDNS), multidrug dependent (MDNS), and multidrug resistant (MRNS). Forms of NS that are more difficult to treat are associated with a worse outcome with respect to renal function. In particular, MRNS commonly progresses to end stage renal failure requiring renal transplantation, with recurrence of the original disease in half of the cases. Histological presentations of NS may vary from minimal glomerular lesions (MCD) to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and, of relevance, the histological patterns do not correlate with the response to treatments. Moreover, around half of MRNS cases are secondary to causative pathogenic variants in genes involved in maintaining the glomerular structure. The pathogenesis of NS is still poorly understood and therapeutic approaches are mostly based on clinical experience. Understanding of pathogenetic mechanisms of NS is one of the 'unmet needs' in nephrology and represents a significant challenge for the scientific community. The scope of the present review includes exploring relevant findings, identifying unmet needs, and reviewing therapeutic developments that characterize NS in the last decades. The main aim is to provide a basis for new perspectives and mechanistic studies in NS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavio Vincenti
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine and Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Andrea Angeletti
- Nephrology Dialysis and Transplantation, Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Gian Marco Ghiggeri
- Nephrology Dialysis and Transplantation, Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
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Wang L, Liu H, Wang Y, Hong X, Huang X, Han M, Wang D, Shan W, Li P, Gu H, Liu B, Bao K. Sanqi Qushi Granule Alleviates Proteinuria and Podocyte Damage in NS Rat: A Network Pharmacology Study and in vivo Experimental Validation. Drug Des Devel Ther 2023; 17:1847-1861. [PMID: 37360573 PMCID: PMC10289100 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s403617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Nephrotic syndrome (NS) and its numerous complications remain the leading causes of morbidity and mortality globally. Sanqi Qushi granule (SQG) is clinically effective in NS. However, its potential mechanisms have yet to be elucidated. Methods A network pharmacology approach was employed in this study. Based on oral bioavailability and drug-likeness, potential active ingredients were picked out. After acquiring overlapping targets for drug genes and disease-related genes, a component-target-disease network and protein-protein interaction analysis (PPI) were constructed using Cytoscape, followed by GO and KEGG enrichment analyses. Adriamycin was injected into adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats via the tail vein to establish NS model. Kidney histology, 24-hr urinary protein level, creatinine (Cr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) level were assessed. Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and TUNEL staining were applied. Results In total, 144 latent targets in SQG acting on NS were screened by a network pharmacology study, containing AKT, Bax, and Bcl-2. KEGG enrichment analysis suggested that PI3K/AKT pathway was enriched primarily. In vivo validation results revealed that SQG intervention ameliorated urine protein level and podocyte lesions in the NS model. Moreover, SQG therapy significantly inhibited renal cells apoptosis and decreased the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 protein expression. Moreover, we found that Caspase-3 regulated the PI3K/AKT pathway in NS rats, which mediated the anti-apoptosis effect. Conclusion By combining network pharmacology with experimental verification in vivo, this work confirmed the treatment efficacy of SQG for NS. SQG protected podocyte from injury and inhibited kidney apoptosis in NS rats via the PI3K/AKT pathway at least partially.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Wang
- Second Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huoliang Liu
- The Affiliated TCM Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi Wang
- Second Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - XiaoFan Hong
- Second Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyan Huang
- Second Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Miaoru Han
- Second Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dan Wang
- Second Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenjun Shan
- Second Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ping Li
- Second Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haowen Gu
- Second Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Chirality Research on Active Components of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kun Bao
- Second Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Refractory Chronic Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
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14
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Nagai K. Immunosuppressive Agent Options for Primary Nephrotic Syndrome: A Review of Network Meta-Analyses and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis. Medicina (B Aires) 2023; 59:medicina59030601. [PMID: 36984602 PMCID: PMC10054564 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59030601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic options with immunosuppressive agents for glomerular diseases have widened with refinements to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines from 2012 to 2021. However, international guidelines do not necessarily match the reality in each country. Expensive therapies such as rituximab and calcineurin inhibitors are sometimes inaccessible to patients with refractory nephrotic syndrome due to cost or regulations. Under the Japanese medical insurance system, rituximab is accessible but still limited to steroid-dependent patients who developed idiopathic nephrotic syndrome in childhood. Based on international KDIGO guidelines and other national guidelines, possible applications of immunosuppressive agents for nephrotic syndrome are comprehensively examined in this review. While rituximab has become the mainstay of immunosuppressive therapy for nephrotic syndrome, clinical trials have indicated that options such as cyclophosphamide, calcineurin inhibitors, and mycophenolate mofetil would be preferable. Given the rising number of patients with nephrotic syndrome worldwide, KDIGO guidelines mention the need for further consideration of cost-effectiveness. If the new option of rituximab is to be the first choice in combination with steroids for nephrotic syndrome, its cost-effectiveness should also be verified. Among the few studies examining the cost-effectiveness of treatments for nephrotic syndrome, administration of rituximab to young adults has been shown to be cost-beneficial, at least in Japan. However, further large-scale studies involving multiple facilities are needed to verify such findings. Network meta-analyses have concluded that the efficacy of rituximab remains controversial and confirmation through high-quality studies of large cohorts is needed. To this end, the mechanisms of action underlying immunosuppressive agents, both old and new, need to be understood and experience must be accumulated to evaluate possible effects and side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei Nagai
- University of Tsukuba Hospital Hitachi Social Cooperation Education Research Center, Hitachi 317-0077, Ibaraki, Japan
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Karam S, Haidous M, Dalle IA, Dendooven A, Moukalled N, Van Craenenbroeck A, Bazarbachi A, Sprangers B. Monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance: Multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2023; 183:103926. [PMID: 36736510 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.103926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance (MGRS) is a hemato-nephrological term referring to a heterogeneous group of kidney disorders characterized by direct or indirect kidney injury caused by a monoclonal immunoglobulin (MIg) produced by a B cell or plasma cell clone that does not meet current hematologic criteria for therapy. MGRS-associated kidney diseases are diverse and can result in the development of end stage kidney disease (ESKD). The diagnosis is typically made by nephrologists through a kidney biopsy. Many distinct pathologies have been identified and they are classified based on the site or composition of the deposited Mig, or according to histological and ultrastructural findings. Therapy is directed towards the identified underlying clonal population and treatment decisions should be coordinated between hematologists and nephrologists in a multidisciplinary fashion, depend on the type of MGRS, the degree of kidney function impairment and the risk of progression to ESKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Karam
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Mohammad Haidous
- Department of Medicine, Saint Vincent Charity Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Iman Abou Dalle
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Program, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Amélie Dendooven
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nour Moukalled
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Program, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Amaryllis Van Craenenbroeck
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Laboratory of Nephrology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Division of Nephrology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ali Bazarbachi
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Program, Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon; Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ben Sprangers
- Biomedical Research Institute, Department of Immunology and Infection, University Hasselt, Diepenbeek, Belgium; Department of Nephrology, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Genk, Belgium.
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16
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Chen M, Zhang X, Xiong Y, Xu G. Efficacy of low or heavy rituximab‑based protocols and comparison with seven regimens in idiopathic membranous nephropathy: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Int Urol Nephrol 2023; 55:641-651. [PMID: 36161550 DOI: 10.1007/s11255-022-03372-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Numerous studies have demonstrated the efficiency of tacrolimus + rituximab and rituximab in idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN). But optimal dosages of rituximab for IMN are still controversial. This network meta-analysis (NMA) was conducted to compare the efficacy of different rituximab dosages and other main treatments in IMN treatment. METHODS Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies analyzing nine therapeutic regimens for IMN were included from some databases. Network comparisons were performed to analyze the rates of total remission (TR) and relapse rate. The surface under the cumulative ranking area (SUCRA) was calculated to rank interventions. RESULTS Twelve RCTs and 12 observational studies involving 1724 patients were pooled for comparison of 9 interventions. This NMA demonstrated steroids + tacrolimus was ranked first in the aspect of total remission at 6 months (92%) and 12 months (81.3%). The total remission rate associated with tacrolimus + rituximab increased rapidly between the sixth (SUCRA 22.5%) and the twelfth month (SUCRA 63.9%). Tacrolimus and cyclosporine A were associated with higher total remission at 6 months (78.8% and 65.4%, separately) and decreased at 12 months (58.1 and 34.9%, separately). Steroids + cyclophosphamide, rituximab (Heavy dose) and rituximab (Low dose) had stable remission rates at 6 (63.7%, 46.6%, and 19.4%) and 12 months (SUCRA 66.9%, 39.6%, and 28.8%). Tacrolimus and cyclosporine A were associated with a significantly higher risk of relapse than that with steroids + cyclophosphamide, rituximab (Heavy dose), and rituximab (Low dose). CONCLUSIONS For IMN in adults, steroids + tacrolimus was ranked first in the aspect of total remission, followed by steroids + cyclophosphamide and steroids + cyclosporine A. The TR associated with rituximab (Heavy and Low dosage) at 12 months was higher than that at 6 months. And rituximab (Heavy dose) achieves a higher rate of total remission than that of rituximab (Low dose).
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaomiao Chen
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006, No. 1, Minde Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Grade 2018, The First Clinical Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xuehan Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006, No. 1, Minde Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yi Xiong
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006, No. 1, Minde Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Gaosi Xu
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006, No. 1, Minde Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.
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Hartinger JM, Kratky V, Hruskova Z, Slanar O, Tesar V. Implications of rituximab pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic alterations in various immune-mediated glomerulopathies and potential anti-CD20 therapy alternatives. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1024068. [PMID: 36420256 PMCID: PMC9676507 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1024068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The specific B-cell depleting anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab (RTX) is effective in terms of the treatment of various immune-mediated glomerulopathies. The administration of RTX has been shown to be reliable and highly effective particularly in patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis, which is manifested predominantly with non-nephrotic proteinuria. Stable long-term B-cell depletion is usually readily attained in such patients using standard dosing regimens. However, in patients with nephrotic syndrome and non-selective proteinuria, the RTX pharmacokinetics is altered profoundly and RTX does not maintain high enough levels for a sufficiently long period, which may render RTX treatment ineffective. Since complement-derived cytotoxicity is one of the important modes of action of RTX, hypocomplementemia, frequently associated with systemic lupus erythematodes, may act to hamper the efficacy of RTX in the treatment of patients with lupus nephritis. This review provides a description of RTX pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in several selected glomerulopathies, as well as the impact of proteinuria, anti-drug antibodies and other clinical variables on the clearance and volume of distribution of RTX. The impact of plasmapheresis and peritoneal dialysis on the clearance of RTX is also discussed in the paper. A review is provided of the potential association between pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic alterations in various kidney-affecting glomerular diseases, the sustainability of B-cell depletion and the clinical efficacy of RTX, with proposals for potential dosing implications. The role of therapeutic drug monitoring in treatment tailoring is also discussed, and various previously tested RTX dosing schedules are compared in terms of their clinical and laboratory treatment responses. Since alternative anti-CD20 molecules may prove effective in RTX unresponsive patients, their pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and current role in the treatment of glomerulopathies are also mentioned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Miroslav Hartinger
- Department of Pharmacology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital Prague, Prague, Czechia
- *Correspondence: Jan Miroslav Hartinger,
| | - Vojtech Kratky
- Department of Nephrology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Zdenka Hruskova
- Department of Nephrology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Ondrej Slanar
- Department of Pharmacology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Vladimir Tesar
- Department of Nephrology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital Prague, Prague, Czechia
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Liu J, Shen Q, Xie L, Wang J, Li Y, Chen J, Fang X, Tang X, Qian B, Xu H. Protocol for an open-label, single-arm, multicentre clinical study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of rituximab in the first episode of paediatric idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e064216. [PMID: 36223961 PMCID: PMC9562314 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-064216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Rituximab (RTX) effectively prevents relapses in patients with complicated steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS). The 1-year relapse-free survival rate is approximately 30% in children after the first episode of SSNS treated with standardised corticosteroids. Whether the benefits of RTX extend to the first relapse are unknown. The efficacy and safety of RTX in the first episode of paediatric idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (RTXFIRPedINS) trial (NCT04783675) will assess its effect on the risk of subsequent relapse. METHODS AND ANALYSIS RTXFIRPedINS is an open-label, single-arm, multicentre trial targeting patients aged 1-18 years with a first episode of SSNS. All patients will receive standardised corticosteroid treatment for 12 weeks. A sample size of 44 patients provides 80% power to detect a 20% increase in the 1-year relapse-free rate, assuming a dropout rate of 10%. After obtaining informed consent and screening, eligible patients will be treated with a single intravenous infusion of 375 mg/m2 RTX within 1 week after achieving remission. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole will be administered for 3 months after RTX administration to prevent Pneumocystis carinii infection. The follow-up period will be 1 year. The primary outcome is the 1-year relapse-free survival rate after RTX infusion. The secondary study outcomes are the number of days from the infusion of RTX to the occurrence of the first relapse, 6-month relapse-free survival rate, the B cell recovery time and treatment-related adverse events. Immunological factors will be studied as predictors of response. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This trial was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Children's Hospital of Fudan University and seven local ethics committees. We will publish our study results in peer-reviewed journals and present them at international scientific meetings. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04783675.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialu Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Shen
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Xie
- Clinical Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Clinical Research Promotion and Development Centre, Shanghai Hospital Development Centre, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiyang Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yaxuan Li
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyan Fang
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoshan Tang
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Biyun Qian
- Clinical Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Clinical Research Promotion and Development Centre, Shanghai Hospital Development Centre, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Xu
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China
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Yoshizaki A, Fukasawa T, Ebata S, Yoshizaki-Ogawa A, Sato S. Involvement of B cells in the development of systemic sclerosis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:938785. [PMID: 35967355 PMCID: PMC9365989 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.938785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare intractable systemic disease that causes fibrosis and vasculopathy against a background of autoimmune abnormalities. Although the etiology is not yet fully understood, the type of autoantibodies detected in SSc is closely associated with disease severity and prognosis, supporting that those autoimmune abnormalities play an important role in the pathogenesis of SSc. Although the direct pathogenicity of autoantibodies found in SSc is unknown, many previous studies have shown that B cells are involved in the development of SSc through a variety of functions. Furthermore, a number of clinical studies have been conducted in which B-cell depletion therapy has been tried for SSc, and many of these studies have found B-cell depletion therapy to be effective for SSc. However, the involvement of B cells in pathogenesis is complex, as they not only promote inflammation but also play an inhibitory role. This article outlines the role of B cells in the development of SSc, including the latest research.
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