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Terui H, Segawa Y, Asano Y. Targeting B cells for treatment of systemic sclerosis. Curr Opin Rheumatol 2023; 35:317-323. [PMID: 37540776 DOI: 10.1097/bor.0000000000000961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc) has been linked to dysfunctional B cells as demonstrated in previous research. This review aims to show the evidence and ongoing clinical trials of B cell-targeted therapy and overview the various aspects of B cell involvement in SSc. RECENT FINDINGS We provide an overview of the current understanding and therapeutic strategies targeting B cells in SSc patients. Several molecular targets of B cells have been identified for treating SSc, including CD20, CD19, B-cell activating factor (BAFF), and proteasome. SUMMARY Many clinical trials have demonstrated that B cells play a critical role in the pathogenesis of SSc and may be a potential therapeutic target to improve disease symptoms. Although large-scale clinical studies are needed, various B cell-targeted therapies have the potential to address the unmet needs of SSc patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitoshi Terui
- Department of Dermatology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
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Fukasawa T, Yoshizaki A, Ebata S, Yoshizaki-Ogawa A, Asano Y, Enomoto A, Miyagawa K, Kazoe Y, Mawatari K, Kitamori T, Sato S. Single-cell-level protein analysis revealing the roles of autoantigen-reactive B lymphocytes in autoimmune disease and the murine model. eLife 2021; 10:e67209. [PMID: 34854378 PMCID: PMC8639144 DOI: 10.7554/elife.67209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite antigen affinity of B cells varying from cell to cell, functional analyses of antigen-reactive B cells on individual B cells are missing due to technical difficulties. Especially in the field of autoimmune diseases, promising pathogenic B cells have not been adequately studied to date because of its rarity. In this study, functions of autoantigen-reactive B cells in autoimmune disease were analyzed at the single-cell level. Since topoisomerase I is a distinct autoantigen, we targeted systemic sclerosis as autoimmune disease. Decreased and increased affinities for topoisomerase I of topoisomerase I-reactive B cells led to anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory cytokine production associated with the inhibition and development of fibrosis, which is the major symptom of systemic sclerosis. Furthermore, inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine production and increased affinity of topoisomerase I-reactive B cells suppressed fibrosis. These results indicate that autoantigen-reactive B cells contribute to the disease manifestations in autoimmune disease through their antigen affinity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takemichi Fukasawa
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Ayumi Yoshizaki
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Satoshi Ebata
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Asako Yoshizaki-Ogawa
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Yoshihide Asano
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Atsushi Enomoto
- Laboratory of Radiology and Biomedical Engineering, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Kiyoshi Miyagawa
- Laboratory of Radiology and Biomedical Engineering, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Yutaka Kazoe
- Department of System Design Engineering, Keio university, Faculty of Science and technologyTokyoJapan
| | - Kazuma Mawatari
- Department of Applied Chemistry, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of EngineeringTokyoJapan
| | - Takehiko Kitamori
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of EngineeringTokyoJapan
| | - Shinichi Sato
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of MedicineTokyoJapan
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3
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Zamanian RT, Badesch D, Chung L, Domsic RT, Medsger T, Pinckney A, Keyes-Elstein L, D'Aveta C, Spychala M, White RJ, Hassoun PM, Torres F, Sweatt AJ, Molitor JA, Khanna D, Maecker H, Welch B, Goldmuntz E, Nicolls MR. Safety and Efficacy of B-Cell Depletion with Rituximab for the Treatment of Systemic Sclerosis-associated Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A Multicenter, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trial. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2021; 204:209-221. [PMID: 33651671 PMCID: PMC8650794 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202009-3481oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Systemic sclerosis (SSc)-pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is one of the most prevalent and deadly forms of PAH. B cells may contribute to SSc pathogenesis. Objectives: We investigated the safety and efficacy of B-cell depletion for SSc-PAH. Methods: In an NIH-sponsored, multicenter, double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled, proof-of-concept trial, 57 patients with SSc-PAH on stable-dose standard medical therapy received two infusions of 1,000 mg rituximab or placebo administered 2 weeks apart. The primary outcome measure was the change in 6-minute-walk distance (6MWD) at 24 weeks. Secondary endpoints included safety and invasive hemodynamics. We applied a machine learning approach to predict drug responsiveness. Measurements and Main Results: We randomized 57 subjects from 2010 to 2018. In the primary analysis, using data through Week 24, the adjusted mean change in 6MWD at 24 weeks favored the treatment arm but did not reach statistical significance (23.6 ± 11.1 m vs. 0.5 ± 9.7 m; P = 0.12). Although a negative study, when data through Week 48 were also considered, the estimated change in 6MWD at Week 24 was 25.5 ± 8.8 m for rituximab and 0.4 ± 7.4 m for placebo (P = 0.03). Rituximab treatment appeared to be safe and well tolerated. Low levels of RF (rheumatoid factor), IL-12, and IL-17 were sensitive and specific as favorable predictors of a rituximab response as measured by an improved 6MWD (receiver operating characteristic area under the curve, 0.88-0.95). Conclusions: B-cell depletion therapy is a potentially effective and safe adjuvant treatment for SSc-PAH. Future studies in these patients can confirm whether the identified biomarkers predict rituximab responsiveness. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrails.gov (NCT01086540).
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Affiliation(s)
- Roham T Zamanian
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine and.,Vera Moulton Wall Center for Pulmonary Vascular Disease, Stanford, California
| | - David Badesch
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Lorinda Chung
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine and.,Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Stanford University, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Robyn T Domsic
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Thomas Medsger
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | | | | | - Carla D'Aveta
- Rho Federal Systems Division, Durham, North Carolina
| | | | - R James White
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York
| | - Paul M Hassoun
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Fernando Torres
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, Texas
| | - Andrew J Sweatt
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine and.,Vera Moulton Wall Center for Pulmonary Vascular Disease, Stanford, California
| | - Jerry A Molitor
- Division of Rheumatic and Autoimmune Diseases, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Dinesh Khanna
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Holden Maecker
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine and
| | - Beverly Welch
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland; and
| | - Ellen Goldmuntz
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland; and
| | - Mark R Nicolls
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine and.,Vera Moulton Wall Center for Pulmonary Vascular Disease, Stanford, California.,Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California
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4
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Menon M, Hussell T, Ali Shuwa H. Regulatory B cells in respiratory health and diseases. Immunol Rev 2021; 299:61-73. [PMID: 33410165 PMCID: PMC7986090 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
B cells are critical mediators of humoral immune responses in the airways through antibody production, antigen presentation, and cytokine secretion. In addition, a subset of B cells, known as regulatory B cells (Bregs), exhibit immunosuppressive functions via diverse regulatory mechanisms. Bregs modulate immune responses via the secretion of IL‐10, IL‐35, and tumor growth factor‐β (TGF‐β), and by direct cell contact. The balance between effector and regulatory B cell functions is critical in the maintenance of immune homeostasis. The importance of Bregs in airway immune responses is emphasized by the different respiratory disorders associated with abnormalities in Breg numbers and function. In this review, we summarize the role of immunosuppressive Bregs in airway inflammatory diseases and highlight the importance of this subset in the maintenance of respiratory health. We propose that improved understanding of signals in the lung microenvironment that drive Breg differentiation can provide novel therapeutic avenues for improved management of respiratory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhvi Menon
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Division of Infection, Immunity & Respiratory Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Tracy Hussell
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Division of Infection, Immunity & Respiratory Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Halima Ali Shuwa
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Division of Infection, Immunity & Respiratory Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
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5
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Rituximab in the Treatment of Interstitial Lung Disease Associated with Autoimmune Diseases: Experience from a Single Referral Center and Literature Review. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9103070. [PMID: 32977717 PMCID: PMC7598697 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9103070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In the present study, we aimed to report our experience with rituximab (RTX) in the treatment of patients with ILD associated with AD (AD-ILD) at a single center. For this purpose, clinical characteristics, radiological findings, and pulmonary function tests (PFTs) of RTX-treated AD-ILD-patients seen from May 2016 until March 2020 at a referral center for individuals with ILD were retrospectively reviewed. Additionally, an updated literature review was conducted. A total of 26 patients (mean age 58.3 ± 11.1 years at ILD diagnosis) was included. The most common ADs related to ILD were systemic sclerosis, idiopathic inflammatory myositis (including anti-synthetase syndrome) and rheumatoid arthritis. Non-specific interstitial pneumonia (n = 12) and usual interstitial pneumonia (n = 11) were the predominant radiological patterns. The sustained improvement in PFTs was observed from the start of RTX, with a statistically significant increase in DLCO from basal to one year after RTX (mean + 4.2%, p = 0.024). Overall, there were no differences when comparing PFT outcome according to the radiological pattern or the specific type of AD. In conclusion, RTX constitutes a good therapeutic option to preserve lung function in patients with AD-ILD, regardless of the radiological pattern or the underlying AD.
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Vacchi C, Sebastiani M, Cassone G, Cerri S, Della Casa G, Salvarani C, Manfredi A. Therapeutic Options for the Treatment of Interstitial Lung Disease Related to Connective Tissue Diseases. A Narrative Review. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9020407. [PMID: 32028635 PMCID: PMC7073957 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9020407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is one of the most serious pulmonary complications of connective tissue diseases (CTDs) and it is characterized by a deep impact on morbidity and mortality. Due to the poor knowledge of CTD-ILD’s natural history and due to the difficulties related to design of randomized control trials, there is a lack of prospective data about the prevalence, follow-up, and therapeutic efficacy. For these reasons, the choice of therapy for CTD-ILD is currently very challenging and still largely based on experts’ opinion. Treatment is often based on steroids and conventional immunosuppressive drugs, but the recent publication of the encouraging results of the INBUILD trial has highlighted a possible effective and safe use of antifibrotic drugs as a new therapeutic option for these subjects. Aim of this review is to summarize the available data and recent advances about therapeutic strategies for ILD in the context of various CTD, such as systemic sclerosis, idiopathic inflammatory myopathy and Sjogren syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, mixed connective tissue disease and undifferentiated connective tissue disease, and interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features, focusing also on ongoing clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Vacchi
- PhD Program in Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41121 Modena, Italy
| | - Marco Sebastiani
- Rheumatology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico di Modena, 41121 Modena, Italy
| | - Giulia Cassone
- PhD Program in Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41121 Modena, Italy
| | - Stefania Cerri
- Respiratory Disease Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico di Modena, 41121 Modena, Italy
| | - Giovanni Della Casa
- Radiology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico di Modena, 41121 Modena, Italy
| | - Carlo Salvarani
- Rheumatology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico di Modena, 41121 Modena, Italy
| | - Andreina Manfredi
- Rheumatology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico di Modena, 41121 Modena, Italy
- Correspondence:
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7
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Hoffmann-Vold AM, Maher TM, Philpot EE, Ashrafzadeh A, Barake R, Barsotti S, Bruni C, Carducci P, Carreira PE, Castellví I, Del Galdo F, Distler JHW, Foeldvari I, Fraticelli P, George PM, Griffiths B, Guillén-Del-Castillo A, Hamid AM, Horváth R, Hughes M, Kreuter M, Moazedi-Fuerst F, Olas J, Paul S, Rotondo C, Rubio-Rivas M, Seferian A, Tomčík M, Uzunhan Y, Walker UA, Więsik-Szewczyk E, Distler O. The identification and management of interstitial lung disease in systemic sclerosis: evidence-based European consensus statements. THE LANCET. RHEUMATOLOGY 2020; 2:e71-e83. [PMID: 38263663 DOI: 10.1016/s2665-9913(19)30144-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (ILD) carries a high mortality risk; expert guidance is required to aid early recognition and treatment. We aimed to develop the first expert consensus and define an algorithm for the identification and management of the condition through application of well established methods. METHODS Evidence-based consensus statements for systemic sclerosis-associated ILD management were established for six domains (ie, risk factors, screening, diagnosis and severity assessment, treatment initiation and options, disease progression, and treatment escalation) using a modified Delphi process based on a systematic literature analysis. A panel of 27 Europe-based pulmonologists, rheumatologists, and internists with expertise in systemic sclerosis-associated ILD participated in three rounds of online surveys, a face-to-face discussion, and a WebEx meeting, followed by two supplemental Delphi rounds, to establish consensus and define a management algorithm. Consensus was considered achieved if at least 80% of panellists indicated agreement or disagreement. FINDINGS Between July 1, 2018, and Aug 27, 2019, consensus agreement was reached for 52 primary statements and six supplemental statements across six domains of management, and an algorithm was defined for clinical practice use. The agreed statements most important for clinical use included: all patients with systemic sclerosis should be screened for systemic sclerosis-associated ILD using high-resolution CT; high-resolution CT is the primary tool for diagnosing ILD in systemic sclerosis; pulmonary function tests support screening and diagnosis; systemic sclerosis-associated ILD severity should be measured with more than one indicator; it is appropriate to treat all severe cases; no pharmacological treatment is an option for some patients; follow-up assessments enable identification of disease progression; progression pace, alongside disease severity, drives decisions to escalate treatment. INTERPRETATION Through a robust modified Delphi process developed by a diverse panel of experts, the first evidence-based consensus statements were established on guidance for the identification and medical management of systemic sclerosis-associated ILD. FUNDING An unrestricted grant from Boehringer Ingelheim International.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Toby M Maher
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK; Interstitial Lung Disease Unit, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK
| | | | - Ali Ashrafzadeh
- Rheumatology Center of Excellence, IQVIA, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Rafic Barake
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Centre Hospitalier de Rambouillet, Rambouillet, France
| | | | - Cosimo Bruni
- Department of Rheumatology/Scleroderma Unit, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Paolo Carducci
- Pulmonology Unit, San Salvatore Hospital, L'Aquila, Italy
| | | | - Ivan Castellví
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitari de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesco Del Galdo
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre and Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Jörg H W Distler
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 and Institute for Clinical Immunology, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ivan Foeldvari
- Hamburg Centre for Pediatric and Adolescent Rheumatology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Paolo Fraticelli
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ospedali Riuniti-Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Peter M George
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK; Interstitial Lung Disease Unit, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK
| | - Bridget Griffiths
- Department of Rheumatology, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | | | - Abdul Monem Hamid
- Department of Pneumology and Lung Transplantation, Foch Hospital, Paris, France; Collège de Médecine des Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Rudolf Horváth
- Department of Paediatric and Adult Rheumatology, Faculty Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Michael Hughes
- Department of Rheumatology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, UK
| | - Michael Kreuter
- Center for Interstitial and Rare Lung Diseases, Pneumology Thoraxklinik Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg and German Center for Lung Research, Germany
| | - Florentine Moazedi-Fuerst
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Jacek Olas
- Scleroderma Outpatient Clinic, Małopolska Center of Rheumatology, Immunology and Rehabilitation, Krakow, Poland
| | - Suman Paul
- Respiratory Medicine Department, Royal Preston Hospital, Preston, UK
| | - Cinzia Rotondo
- Scleroderma Outpatient Clinic, Rheumatology Unit, University Hospital Ospedali Riuniti di Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Manuel Rubio-Rivas
- Department of Internal Medicine, Bellvitge University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrei Seferian
- University Paris-Sud, Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France; INSERM UMR_S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis-Robinson, France; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Service de Pneumologie, Centre de Référence de l'Hypertension Pulmonaire, Hôpital Bicêtre, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | | | - Yurdagül Uzunhan
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Avicenne Hospital, Pneumology Department, INSERM UMR 1272, Paris 13 University, Bobigny, France
| | - Ulrich A Walker
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ewa Więsik-Szewczyk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pneumonology, Allergology and Clinical Immunology, Central Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of National Defense, Military Institute of Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Oliver Distler
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Misra DP, Ahmed S, Agarwal V. Is biological therapy in systemic sclerosis the answer? Rheumatol Int 2020; 40:679-694. [PMID: 31960079 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-020-04515-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis is a systemic fibrosing disorder associated with significant morbidity and mortality, with no universally accepted disease-modifying therapy. Significant advances in the understanding of systemic sclerosis in recent years have guided the exploration of biological drugs in systemic sclerosis. In this narrative review, we summarize the published literature on biologic therapies in systemic sclerosis. A double-blind randomized trial, and an open label trial of tocilizumab (which antagonizes the interleukin 6 receptor), identified potential benefits in skin and lung fibrosis in systemic sclerosis; however, these differences failed to attain statistical significance. Two open-label trials compared rituximab (which depletes B lymphocytes) to conventional treatment/ cyclophosphamide in systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (ILD), and revealed significant improvements in lung functions and skin disease with rituximab. Significant observational data also support the use of rituximab in skin, lung, muscle and joint manifestations of systemic sclerosis. Abatacept (which blocks T lymphocyte activation) has demonstrated utility for skin and joint disease in systemic sclerosis; a recent clinical trial failed to demonstrate benefits in improving skin thickness compared to placebo. Agents targeting type I interferons, interleukin 17 pathway, CD19 and plasma cells hold promise in systemic sclerosis; however, high-quality evidence is lacking. The results of different ongoing clinical trials targeting B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes, various cytokines (interleukins 6, 17, 4, 13, IL-1α), platelet-derived growth factor receptor, proteasome, integrins or oncostatin M may help guide future therapeutic regimens with biological agents in systemic sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Durga Prasanna Misra
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow, 226014, India.
| | - Sakir Ahmed
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Vikas Agarwal
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow, 226014, India
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Heukels P, van Hulst JAC, van Nimwegen M, Boorsma CE, Melgert BN, von der Thusen JH, van den Blink B, Hoek RAS, Miedema JR, Neys SFH, Corneth OBJ, Hendriks RW, Wijsenbeek MS, Kool M. Enhanced Bruton's tyrosine kinase in B-cells and autoreactive IgA in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Respir Res 2019; 20:232. [PMID: 31651327 PMCID: PMC6814043 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-019-1195-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is thought to be triggered by repeated alveolar epithelial cell injury. Current evidence suggests that aberrant immune activation may contribute. However, the role of B-cell activation remains unclear. We determined the phenotype and activation status of B-cell subsets and evaluated the contribution of activated B-cells to the development of lung fibrosis both in humans and in mice. Methods B-cells in blood, mediastinal lymph node, and lung single-cell suspensions of IPF patients and healthy controls (HC) were characterized using 14-color flow cytometry. Mice were exposed to bleomycin to provoke pulmonary fibrosis. Results More IgA+ memory B-cells and plasmablasts were found in blood (n = 27) and lungs (n = 11) of IPF patients compared to HC (n = 21) and control lungs (n = 9). IPF patients had higher levels of autoreactive IgA in plasma, which correlated with an enhanced decline of forced vital capacity (p = 0.002, r = − 0.50). Bruton’s tyrosine kinase expression was higher in circulating IPF B-cells compared to HC, indicating enhanced B-cell activation. Bleomycin-exposed mice had increased pulmonary IgA+ germinal center and plasma cell proportions compared to control mice. The degree of lung fibrosis correlated with pulmonary germinal center B-cell proportions (p = 0.010, r = 0.88). Conclusion Our study demonstrates that IPF patients have more circulating activated B-cells and autoreactive IgA, which correlate with disease progression. These B-cell alterations were also observed in the widely used mouse model of experimental pulmonary fibrosis. Autoreactive IgA could be useful as a biomarker for disease progression in IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Heukels
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, 's-Gravendijkwal 230, 3015, CE, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. .,Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Amphia hospital Breda, Breda, The Netherlands.
| | - Jennifer A C van Hulst
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, 's-Gravendijkwal 230, 3015, CE, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Menno van Nimwegen
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, 's-Gravendijkwal 230, 3015, CE, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carian E Boorsma
- Department of Pharmacokinetics, Toxicology and Targeting, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Barbro N Melgert
- Department of Pharmacokinetics, Toxicology and Targeting, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,GRIAC research Institute, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Rogier A S Hoek
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, 's-Gravendijkwal 230, 3015, CE, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jelle R Miedema
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, 's-Gravendijkwal 230, 3015, CE, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Stefan F H Neys
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, 's-Gravendijkwal 230, 3015, CE, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Odilia B J Corneth
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, 's-Gravendijkwal 230, 3015, CE, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rudi W Hendriks
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, 's-Gravendijkwal 230, 3015, CE, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marlies S Wijsenbeek
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, 's-Gravendijkwal 230, 3015, CE, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mirjam Kool
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, 's-Gravendijkwal 230, 3015, CE, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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10
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Morell F, Ojanguren I, Villar A, Ramon MA, Muñoz X, Cruz MJ. Addition of Rituximab to Oral Corticosteroids in the Treatment of Chronic Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis. Arch Bronconeumol 2019; 56:254-256. [PMID: 31506211 DOI: 10.1016/j.arbres.2019.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ferran Morell
- Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Iñigo Ojanguren
- Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Barcelona, Spain; Servei de Pneumología, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Departament de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Ana Villar
- Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Barcelona, Spain; Servei de Pneumología, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Departament de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Antonia Ramon
- Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Muñoz
- Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Barcelona, Spain; Servei de Pneumología, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Departament de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Jesús Cruz
- Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Barcelona, Spain
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