Mariele Gatto , Margherita Zen , Claudio Cruciani , Luca Iaccarino , Andrea Doria
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
The approval of biologics, namely belimumab and anifrolumab, is being a game-changer in the approach to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Currently we are indeed facing a revolution in the treatment paradigm of SLE, encompassing early combination of biologics with standard treatment in severe manifestations. In this regard, a lively discussion is taking place regarding the better positioning of biologics in the treatment of not necessarily severe, yet refractory and/or disfiguring manifestations which expose patients to worsened quality of life, reduced workability and enhanced risk of organ damage especially related to the misuse of glucocorticoids in the long run. Growing evidence supports the early use of targeted treatments in those patients, including the use of biologics before traditional immunosuppression, to achieve control of disease activity while minimizing treatment-related damage, privileging the timely use of therapeutics selectively impacting on key disease mechanisms in spite of a widespread immunosuppression. Patient profiling on a clinical and endotypical basis is helping in identifying better candidates to targeted drugs. More inflammatory organ involvement including persistent arthritis and infiltrating skin lesions seem likely to respond to anifrolumab, while B-mediated manifestations, a lively serology and a relapsing-remitting SLE course hint at a suitable role for belimumab. This seems at least partially connected to the inner effect of either drug, dampening inflammation through down-regulation of interferon signalling in the case of anifrolumab, while plastically modulating the B cell pool composition and function when coming to belimumab. Nevertheless, the mechanisms of both drugs are immunologically entangled at some extent, thereby requiring careful management especially in patients with longer disease history burdened with mixed manifestations. In this viewpoint we go over pros and cons of anticipatory biologic use in SLE, exploring features linked with better efficacy of either drug and the pathogenic and practical rationale for their positioning before traditional immunosuppression in moderate refractory SLE to be optimally managed in the 21st Century.
期刊介绍:
Autoimmunity Reviews is a publication that features up-to-date, structured reviews on various topics in the field of autoimmunity. These reviews are written by renowned experts and include demonstrative illustrations and tables. Each article will have a clear "take-home" message for readers.
The selection of articles is primarily done by the Editors-in-Chief, based on recommendations from the international Editorial Board. The topics covered in the articles span all areas of autoimmunology, aiming to bridge the gap between basic and clinical sciences.
In terms of content, the contributions in basic sciences delve into the pathophysiology and mechanisms of autoimmune disorders, as well as genomics and proteomics. On the other hand, clinical contributions focus on diseases related to autoimmunity, novel therapies, and clinical associations.
Autoimmunity Reviews is internationally recognized, and its articles are indexed and abstracted in prestigious databases such as PubMed/Medline, Science Citation Index Expanded, Biosciences Information Services, and Chemical Abstracts.