Active systemic lupus erythematosus is associated with failure of antigen-presenting cells to express programmed death ligand-1

OBJECTIVE

Antigen-presenting cells (APC) play critical roles in establishing and maintaining peripheral tolerance. This is accomplished in part via expression of negative co-stimulatory molecules such as programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) on tolerogenic APC, such as immature myeloid dendritic cells (mDC). Several studies have strongly linked dysfunction of APC, including mDC, to the pathogenesis of SLE. The objective of this study was to determine whether APC expressed PD-L1 protein at normal levels during active lupus.

METHODS

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated from 19 paediatric patients with SLE and from 17 healthy age-matched controls. PBMC from both cohorts were cultured in the absence of exogenously added stimuli, and leucocyte PD-L1 expression was measured by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Immature mDC and monocytes (Mo) from healthy children expressed little PD-L1 at initial isolation, but spontaneously up-regulated PD-L1 by 24 h. In contrast, both mDC and Mo from patients with active SLE failed to up-regulate PD-L1 over a 5 day time course, expressing this protein only during disease remissions.

CONCLUSIONS

These data are the first to link active lupus with reversibly decreased PD-L1 expression on professional APC, suggesting a novel mechanism for loss of peripheral tolerance in SLE.

Immune complexes increase nitric oxide production by interferon-gamma- stimulated murine macrophage-like J774.16 cells

Murine macrophage-like J774.16 cells were tested for changes in nitric oxide production upon incubation with immune complexes. Cryptococcus neoformans capsular polysaccharide and polysaccharide-specific monoclonal antibodies were added to J774.16 cells in the presence and absence of recombinant murine interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). The effect of immune complexes on nitrite synthesis was both concentration dependent and isotype dependent. In the presence of IFN-gamma, immune complexes of IgG1, IgG2, IgG2b, or IgG3 isotype increased nitrite levels, whereas complexes of IgM isotype did not. Immune complexes did not alter nitrite production by unstimulated macrophages. Antibody alone, antigen alone, and antigen with irrelevant IgG1 antibody did not augment nitrite formation, either in the presence or absence of IFN-gamma, indicating a requirement for Fc gamma R cross-linking. These results suggest that IgG isotypes may offer additional protection against pathogens by enhancing macrophage nitric oxide production.

Enhancement of nitric oxide synthesis by macrophages represents an additional mechanism of action for amphotericin B

Amphotericin B (AmB) enhanced nitrite synthesis by murine macrophage-like J774.16 cells in a dose-dependent fashion. This effect was retained in the presence of Cryptococcus neoformans capsular polysaccharide, a known virulence factor. AmB and anticapsular antibody increased nitrite synergistically. In all cases, AmB required gamma interferon; C. neoformans cells were unable to elicit nitrite, with or without AmB.

Inhibition of human endothelial cell chemokine production by the opportunistic fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans

Cryptococcus neoformans is an encapsulated fungal pathogen commonly acquired by inhalation. Extrapulmonary dissemination can lead to infection of the bloodstream and various organs, most commonly resulting in meningoencephalitis. However, infection with C. neoformans is often characterized by a scant inflammatory response. The leukocyte response to infection depends in part upon a gradient of chemotactic factors and adhesion molecules expressed by the host vascular endothelium, yet the inflammatory response of human endothelial cells (EC) to C. neoformans has not been previously investigated. We found that incubation of primary human EC with C. neoformans did not induce chemokine synthesis, and resulted in differential inhibition of cytokine-induced IL-8, IFN-gamma-inducible protein-10, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1. In contrast, C. neoformans had little effect on EC surface expression of the leukocyte ligand, ICAM-1, as determined by flow cytometry. Modulation of chemokine production was dependent on the chemokine under study, the inoculum of C. neoformans used, fungal viability, and cell-cell contact, but independent of cryptococcal strain or encapsulation. These observations suggest a novel mechanism whereby C. neoformans can affect EC function and interfere with the host inflammatory response.

THU0198 EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF FILGOTINIB FOR PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS WITH INADEQUATE RESPONSE TO METHOTREXATE: FINCH 1 52-WEEK RESULTS

Background:

Filgotinib (FIL) is an oral, potent, selective JAK1 inhibitor. FINCH 1 (NCT02889796) assessed FIL efficacy and safety in patients (pts) with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with inadequate response to methotrexate (MTX-IR); primary outcome results at week (W)12 and W24 were previously reported.1

Objectives:

To present FINCH 1 W52 results.

Methods:

This global, phase 3, double-blind, active- and placebo (PBO)-controlled study randomised MTX-IR pts with active RA on a background of stable MTX 3:3:2:3 to oral FIL 200 mg or FIL 100 mg once daily, subcutaneous adalimumab (ADA) 40 mg every 2W, or PBO up to W52; pts receiving PBO at W24 were rerandomised to FIL 100 or 200 mg. Efficacy was assessed from clinical, radiographic, and pt-reported outcomes; W52 comparisons were not adjusted for multiplicity. Safety endpoints included adverse events (AEs) and laboratory abnormalities.

Results:

Of 1755 treated pts, 1417 received study drug through W52. The majority (81.8%) were female, mean (standard deviation [SD]) RA duration was 7.8 (7.6) years, and baseline mean (SD) DAS28(CRP) was 5.7 (0.9). FIL efficacy was sustained through W52; 54%, 43%, and 46% of pts receiving FIL 200 and 100 mg and ADA, respectively, had W52 DAS28(CRP) <2.6 (nominal p for FIL 200 vs ADA = 0.024) (Figures 1–2, Table 1). FIL safety profile through W52 was consistent with W24 data. AEs of interest were infrequent and balanced among treatments (Table 2); 82 pts (4.7%) discontinued treatment due to AEs.

Table 1.

Efficacy outcomes at week 52

FIL 200 mg(n = 475)FIL 100 mg(n = 480)ADA(n = 325)ACR20/50/70, %78/62/4476/59/3874/59/39DAS28(CRP) ≤3.2, %66+5959mTSSa0.18+++0.450.61HAQ-DIb−0.93+−0.85−0.85SF-36 PCSb12.011.512.4FACIT-Fb11.912.211.7

aLeast squares mean change from baseline.

bMean change from baseline.

+p <0.05,+++p <0.001 vs ADA; not adjusted for multiplicity.

ADA, adalimumab; FIL, filgotinib; mTSS, modified van der Heijde TSS.

Table 2.

Treatment-emergent AEs through week 52

Event, n (%)FIL 200(n = 475)FIL 100 mg(n = 480)ADA(n = 325)All AEs352 (74.1)350 (72.9)239 (73.5)Serious AEs35 (7.4)40 (8.3)22 (6.8)Infection206 (43.4)194 (40.4)129 (39.7)Serious infection13 (2.7)13 (2.7)10 (3.1)Herpes zoster6 (1.3)4 (0.8)2 (0.6)VTE1 (0.2)01 (0.3)MACE (adjudicated)02 (0.4)1 (0.3)Malignancy (excluding NMSC)2 (0.4)2 (0.4)2 (0.6)NMSC1 (0.2)1 (0.2)0Death3 (0.6)1 (0.2)1 (0.3)

Data omitted for patients rerandomised from placebo to FIL.

ADA, adalimumab; AE, adverse event; FIL, filgotinib; MACE, major adverse cardiovascular event; NMSC, nonmelanoma skin cancer; VTE, venous thromboembolism.

Conclusion:

Through W52, both FIL 200 and 100 mg showed sustained efficacy based on clinical and pt-reported outcomes and radiographic progression and were well tolerated in MTX-IR pts with RA, with faster onset and numerically greater efficacy for FIL 200 vs 100 mg.

References:

[1]Combe et al.,Ann Rheum Dis.2019; 78 (Suppl 2):77–8.

Disclosure of Interests:

Bernard Combe Grant/research support from: Novartis, Pfizer, Roche-Chugai, Consultant of: AbbVie; Gilead Sciences, Inc.; Janssen; Eli Lilly and Company; Pfizer; Roche-Chugai; Sanofi, Speakers bureau: Bristol-Myers Squibb; Gilead Sciences, Inc.; Eli Lilly and Company; Merck Sharp & Dohme; Pfizer; Roche-Chugai; UCB, Alan Kivitz Shareholder of: AbbVie, Amgen, Gilead, GSK, Pfizer Inc, Sanofi, Consultant of: AbbVie, Boehringer Ingelheim,,Flexion, Genzyme, Gilead, Janssen, Novartis, Pfizer Inc, Regeneron, Sanofi, SUN Pharma Advanced Research, UCB, Paid instructor for: Celgene, Genzyme, Horizon, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Regeneron, Sanofi, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Celgene, Flexion, Genzyme, Horizon, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer Inc, Regeneron, Sanofi, Yoshiya Tanaka Grant/research support from: Asahi-kasei, Astellas, Mitsubishi-Tanabe, Chugai, Takeda, Sanofi, Bristol-Myers, UCB, Daiichi-Sankyo, Eisai, Pfizer, and Ono, Consultant of: Abbvie, Astellas, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Pfizer, Speakers bureau: Daiichi-Sankyo, Astellas, Chugai, Eli Lilly, Pfizer, AbbVie, YL Biologics, Bristol-Myers, Takeda, Mitsubishi-Tanabe, Novartis, Eisai, Janssen, Sanofi, UCB, and Teijin, Désirée van der Heijde Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Astellas, AstraZeneca, BMS, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Cyxone, Daiichi, Eisai, Eli-Lilly, Galapagos, Gilead Sciences, Inc., Glaxo-Smith-Kline, Janssen, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Regeneron, Roche, Sanofi, Takeda, UCB Pharma; Director of Imaging Rheumatology BV, J-Abraham Simon-Campos: None declared, Herbert S.B. Baraf Grant/research support from: Horizon; Gilead Sciences, Inc.; Pfizer; Janssen; AbbVie, Consultant of: Horizon; Gilead Sciences, Inc.; Merck; AbbVie, Speakers bureau: Horizon, Uma Kumar: None declared, Franziska Matzkies Shareholder of: Gilead Sciences, Inc., Employee of: Gilead Sciences, Inc., Beatrix Bartok Shareholder of: Gilead Sciences Inc., Employee of: Gilead Sciences Inc., Lei Ye Shareholder of: Gilead Sciences Inc., Employee of: Gilead Sciences Inc., Ying Guo Shareholder of: Gilead Sciences, Inc., Employee of: Gilead Sciences, Inc., Chantal Tasset Shareholder of: Galapagos (share/warrant holder), Employee of: Galapagos, John Sundy Shareholder of: Gilead Sciences, Inc., Employee of: Gilead Sciences, Inc., Angelika Jahreis Shareholder of: Gilead Sciences, Inc., Employee of: Gilead Sciences, Inc., Neelufar Mozaffarian Shareholder of: Gilead, Employee of: Gilead, Robert B.M. Landewé Consultant of: AbbVie; AstraZeneca; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Eli Lilly & Co.; Galapagos NV; Novartis; Pfizer; UCB Pharma, Sang-Cheol Bae: None declared, Edward Keystone Grant/research support from: AbbVie; Amgen; Gilead Sciences, Inc; Lilly Pharmaceuticals; Merck; Pfizer Pharmaceuticals; PuraPharm; Sanofi, Consultant of: AbbVie; Amgen; AstraZeneca Pharma; Bristol-Myers Squibb Company; Celltrion; F. Hoffman-La Roche Ltd.; Genentech, Inc; Gilead Sciences, Inc.; Janssen, Inc; Lilly Pharmaceuticals; Merck; Myriad Autoimmune; Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, Sandoz, Sanofi-Genzyme, Samsung Bioepsis., Speakers bureau: AbbVie; Amgen; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Celltrion; F. Hoffman-La Roche Ltd, Janssen, Inc; Merck; Pfizer Pharmaceuticals; Sanofi-Genzyme; UCB, Peter Nash Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly and Company, Gilead, Janssen, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer Inc, Roche, Sanofi, UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Gilead, Janssen, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer Inc, Roche, Sanofi, UCB, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Eli Lilly, Gilead, Janssen, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer Inc, Roche, Sanofi, UCB

SAT0158 EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF FILGOTINIB IN METHOTREXATE-NAÏVE PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS: FINCH 3 52-WEEK RESULTS

Background:

Filgotinib (FIL) is a potent, selective JAK 1 inhibitor. FINCH 3 assessed FIL efficacy and safety in methotrexate (MTX)-naïve patients (pts) with rheumatoid arthritis (RA); week (W)24 primary outcome results were previously presented.1

Objectives:

To report FINCH 3 (NCT02886728) results through W52.

Methods:

This global, phase 3, double-blind, active-controlled study randomised MTX-naïve pts with moderately to severely active RA 2:1:1:2 to oral FIL 200 mg once daily + MTX ≤20 mg weekly, FIL 100 mg + MTX, FIL 200 mg monotherapy (mono) + placebo (PBO), or PBO + MTX up to W52. Comparisons at W52 were not adjusted for multiplicity. Safety was assessed from adverse events and laboratory abnormalities.

Results:

Of 1249 treated pts, 975 received study drug through W52. FIL efficacy was sustained up to W52. Treatment with FIL + MTX or FIL mono increased proportions of pts achieving ACR20/50/70 and clinical disease remission by DAS28(CRP) <2.6 (FIL 200 mg + MTX, 53%; FIL mono, 46%), CDAI, SDAI, and Boolean criteria; improved HAQ-DI; and halted radiographic progression vs MTX alone (Table 1 andFigure). Safety was consistent with W24 data (Table 2).

Table 1.

Efficacy outcomes at week 52

FIL 200 mg + MTX (n = 416)FIL 100 mg + MTX (n = 207)FIL 200 mg(n = 210)MTX(n = 416)ACR20, %75.0***73.4**74.8***61.8ACR50, %62.3***59.4**61.4**48.3ACR70, %47.8***40.1*45.2***29.8mTSSa0.21***0.27*0.23**0.74HAQ-DIb−1.00***−0.97−0.95*−0.88

aLeast-squares mean change from baseline.

bMean change from baseline.

*, p <0.05;**, p <0.01;***, p <0.001 vs MTX alone; not adjusted for multiplicity.

FIL, filgotinib; mTSS, van der Heijde modified total Sharp score; MTX, methotrexate.

Table 2.

Safety outcomes through week 52

Event, n (%)FIL 200 mg + MTX(n = 416)FIL 100 mg + MTX(n = 207)FIL 200 mg(n = 210)MTX(n = 416)All AEs318 (76.4)164 (79.2)143 (68.1)305 (73.3)Serious AEs26 (6.3)13 (6.3)17 (8.1)28 (6.7)Infection148 (35.6)76 (36.7)75 (35.7)157 (37.7)Serious infection5 (1.2)3 (1.4)5 (2.4)8 (1.9)Herpes zoster6 (1.4)3 (1.4)4 (1.9)4 (1.0)VTE0004 (1.0)MACE (adjudicated)4 (1.0)1 (0.5)2 (1.0)2 (0.5)Malignancya1 (0.2)004 (1.0)NMSC2 (0.5)001 (0.2)Death3 (0.7)b1 (0.5)c00

aExcluding NMSC.

b1 lupus cardiomyopathy, 1 atypical interstitial pneumonia, 1 non–treatment-emergent cardiovascular death.

cDissecting cerebral and vertebral aneurysm.

AE, adverse event; FIL, filgotinib; MACE, major adverse cardiovascular event; MTX, methotrexate; NMSC, nonmelanoma skin cancer; VTE, venous thromboembolism.

Conclusion:

Efficacy of FIL 200 mg + MTX, FIL 100 mg + MTX, and FIL 200 mg mono was sustained through W52, with faster onset1and consistently numerically greater efficacy for FIL 200 vs 100 mg. No new safety signals were observed.

References:

[1]Westhovens, et al.Ann Rheum Dis.2019;78(Suppl2):259–60.

Disclosure of Interests:

Rene Westhovens Grant/research support from: Celltrion Inc, Galapagos, Gilead, Consultant of: Celltrion Inc, Galapagos, Gilead, Speakers bureau: Celltrion Inc, Galapagos, Gilead, William Rigby Consultant of: Gilead Sciences, Inc., Désirée van der Heijde Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Astellas, AstraZeneca, BMS, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Cyxone, Daiichi, Eisai, Eli-Lilly, Galapagos, Gilead Sciences, Inc., Glaxo-Smith-Kline, Janssen, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, Regeneron, Roche, Sanofi, Takeda, UCB Pharma; Director of Imaging Rheumatology BV, Daniel Ching Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Gilead Sciences, Inc., Pfizer, Sanofi, Consultant of: AbbVie, Pfizer, Speakers bureau: AbbVie, William Stohl Grant/research support from: GlaxoSmithKline, Consultant of: Janssen Research & Development, Jonathan Kay Grant/research support from: Gilead Sciences, Inc., Pfizer, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Consultant of: Alvotech Suisse AG; Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH; Celltrion Healthcare Co. Ltd.; Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.; Mylan Inc.; Novartis AG; Samsung Bioepis; Sandoz, Inc; UCB, Inc., Arvind Chopra Grant/research support from: Zydus Pharamceutical Ltd India, Beatrix Bartok Shareholder of: Gilead Sciences Inc., Employee of: Gilead Sciences Inc., Franziska Matzkies Shareholder of: Gilead Sciences, Inc., Employee of: Gilead Sciences, Inc., Zhaoyu Yin Shareholder of: Gilead Sciences, Inc., Employee of: Gilead Sciences, Inc., Ying Guo Shareholder of: Gilead Sciences, Inc., Employee of: Gilead Sciences, Inc., Chantal Tasset Shareholder of: Galapagos (share/warrant holder), Employee of: Galapagos, John Sundy Shareholder of: Gilead Sciences, Inc., Employee of: Gilead Sciences, Inc., Angelika Jahreis Shareholder of: Gilead Sciences, Inc., Employee of: Gilead Sciences, Inc., Neelufar Mozaffarian Shareholder of: Gilead, Employee of: Gilead, Osvaldo Messina Speakers bureau: Amgen; Americas Health Foundation; Pfizer, Robert B.M. Landewé Consultant of: AbbVie; AstraZeneca; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Eli Lilly & Co.; Galapagos NV; Novartis; Pfizer; UCB Pharma, Tatsuya Atsumi Grant/research support from: Eli Lily Japan K.K., Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., AbbVie Inc., Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Pfizer Inc., Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Co., Astellas Pharma Inc., Consultant of: Gilead Sciences, Inc., Eli Lilly Japan K.K., UCB Japan Co. Ltd., AbbVie Inc., Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Pfizer Inc., Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Speakers bureau: Eli Lilly Japan K.K., UCB Japan Co. Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., AbbVie Inc., Eisai Co. Ltd., Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Pfizer Inc., Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Co., Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Astellas Pharma Inc., Gerd Rüdiger Burmester Consultant of: AbbVie Inc, Eli Lilly, Gilead, Janssen, Merck, Roche, Pfizer, and UCB Pharma, Speakers bureau: AbbVie Inc, Eli Lilly, Gilead, Janssen, Merck, Roche, Pfizer, and UCB Pharma

Non-human pancreas as substrate for cytoplasmic islet cell antibodies

To investigate qualitative and quantitative differences in islet cell antibody (ICA) detection within and between species we evaluated 8 pancreatic substrates (2 human, 2 baboon, 2 macaque, 1 pig and 1 rat). All substrates were able to detect strongly positive sera (with ICA greater than 160 JDF units). Non-human primate pancreata showed a larger size and greater abundance of islets than human, pig or rat. Significant differences in end point titter were observed both within and between species. In comparing the two best pancreata (1 human and 1 macaque) in masked screening of 50 normal controls and 108 nondiabetic first degree relatives of type 1 diabetics, very similar results were obtained. We concluded that pancreatic substrates from a variety of species may be useful for detection of ICA. This study, however, underscores the need for between and within assay standardization of ICA such as those currently underway in the International Immunology of Diabetes Workshops and Proficiency Tests.