Reduction in circulating dsDNA antibody titer after administration of LJP 394.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the safety and immunological effects, in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), of LJP 394, a novel B cell toleragen designed to lower dsDNA antibodies.


METHODS
Four women with stable SLE were given a 100 mg infusion of LJP 394 and were followed for 4 weeks. Routine safety variables were measured, as well as anti-dsDNA, circulating immune complexes, complement, and complement split products.


RESULTS
Anti-dsDNA titers were promptly lowered. At 4 weeks postinfusion, 2 patients' titers remained below baseline and 2 returned to pretreatment levels. Transient increases in some complement split products were noted; however, no adverse clinical events occurred during or immediately after infusion.


CONCLUSIONS
LJP 394 successfully and safely lowered anti-dsDNA in 4 patients with SLE. Immune complex formation and rapid elimination is the most likely explanation for the observed findings.
Weisman
M H
MH
Division of Rheumatic Diseases, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, USA.
Bluestein
H G
HG
Berner
C M
CM
de Haan
H A
HA
D000328:Adult; D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear / Q000378:metabolism*; D004247:DNA / Q000276:immunology*; D003710:Demography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009841:Oligonucleotides / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010314:Partial Thromboplastin Time; D011517:Prothrombin Time; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear; D009841:Oligonucleotides; D004247:DNA; C094104:abetimus