Title:A Review of Clinical Trials of Belimumab in the Management of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Volume: 22
Issue: 41
Author(s): Alexis Garcia and Juan B. De Sanctis
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Lupus, B lymphocytes, BlyS, monoclonal antibody therapy.
Abstract: There have been few changes over the last 50 years in the treatment of Systemic
lupus erythematosus (SLE), using non-specific anti-inflammatory agents such as: nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs along with the immune cell modulating agent hydroxychloroquine
for mild disease, and broad spectrum immunosuppressants plus antiinflammatories
such as corticosteroids, azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, or mycophenolate
during flares or severe disease with organ involvement. In some patients, the response is
inadequate and side effects appear from mild unpleasant up to severe toxicity. Drug metabolism
and clearance may be severely compromised. Therefore, it is a priority to develop better
treatments with fewer adverse events that can be used at different stages of disease activity.
In recent years, a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family, soluble human B Lymphocyte
Stimulator protein (BLyS), also referred to as B-cell activating factor (BAFF) and
TNFSF13B has been studied extensively. This protein is synthesized by myeloid cell lines,
specifically interacts with B lymphocytes and increases their life-span. BlyS plays a key role in the selection,
maturation and survival of B cells and it has a significant role in the pathogenesis of SLE.
In this review, we analyzed the role of BLyS as a diagnostic/prognostic marker and/or therapeutic target for lupus
patients, and the different clinical studies published using belimumab.
