[Treatment of connective tissue diseases with biological agents].

Abstract

As B-cells are crucial for the production of antibodies and also in antigen presentation, they can play an important role in autoimmune connective tissue disease. B-cell surface antigens and receptors which are capable of activating B-cell function have been proposed as targets for therapy in these diseases. Anti-B cell treatments have been used recently in SLE and primary Sjogren's syndrome in a number of open studies, notably anti-CD20 (rituximab), with encouraging results. An anti-BAFF antibody (belimumab) has been tested in patients with SLE and also showed positive results in patients with increased levels of autoantibodies. In contrast, anti-TNF therapy in connective tissue disease and in RA can increase the levels of autoantibodies. Further studies are needed to define the place of these novel treatments in the management of autoimmune connective tissue diseases.

• Authors: A So
• Journal: Revue medicale suisse (Rev Med Suisse) Vol. 4 Issue 149 Pg. 707-8, 710 (Mar 19 2008) ISSN: 1660-9379 [Print] Switzerland
• Vernacular Title: Les biothérapies dans le lupus érythémateux disséminé et tes connectivites: nouvelles thérapeutiques.
• PMID: 18472731 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents
• Antibodies, Monoclonal
• Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
• Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
• Immunologic Factors
• Rituximab
• belimumab
• Infliximab

Topics

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents (therapeutic use)
• Antibodies, Monoclonal (therapeutic use)
• Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
• Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
• Connective Tissue Diseases (drug therapy)
• Humans
• Immunologic Factors (therapeutic use)
• Infliximab
• Rituximab