Targeting the BLyS-APRIL signaling pathway in SLE.

Abstract

The B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS)-A PRoliferation-Inducing Ligand (APRIL) signaling pathway has an important role in the selection, maturation and survival of B cells and plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The inhibition of BLyS, a survival factor for transitional and mature B cells, has recently proven to be successful in large phase III clinical trials that led to the approval of an anti-BLyS monoclonal antibody (belimumab) for the treatment of SLE. Yet, there is currently a need to both understand better the mechanisms of action of belimumab in SLE and better define the subsets of patients that are more likely to respond to the drug.

• Authors: Antonio La Cava
• Journal: Clinical immunology (Orlando, Fla.) (Clin Immunol) Vol. 148 Issue 3 Pg. 322-7 (Sep 2013) ISSN: 1521-7035 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 23269199 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
• B-Cell Activating Factor
• BLyS receptor
• Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor
• Tumor Necrosis Factor Ligand Superfamily Member 13
• belimumab

Topics

• Animals
• Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized (therapeutic use)
• B-Cell Activating Factor (antagonists & inhibitors, physiology)
• Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic
• Humans
• Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic (drug therapy, etiology, immunology)
• Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor (physiology)
• Signal Transduction (drug effects)
• Tumor Necrosis Factor Ligand Superfamily Member 13 (antagonists & inhibitors, physiology)