title: Reduction in circulating dsDNA antibody titer after administration of LJP 394.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Division of Rheumatic Diseases, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, USA.
authors.forename: M H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Weisman
authors.forename: H G
authors.initials: HG
authors.lastname: Bluestein
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Berner
authors.forename: H A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: de Haan
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear; D009841:Oligonucleotides; D004247:DNA; C094104:abetimus