Targeting BLyS in systemic lupus erythematosus.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic disabling autoimmune disease that significantly impacts the quality of life of patients, and can associate with several complications including end-stage renal disease and shortened lifespan. A central component in the pathogenesis of SLE is the B-cell production of autoantibodies to multiple self-antigens. Since, B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) plays a key role in the selection, differentiation and survival of most B cells, it has been studied as a therapeutic target in SLE. After a gap of more than fifty years without new drugs being approved for this disease, the human neutralizing anti-BLyS monoclonal antibody belimumab has recently been approved by the FDA for SLE therapy. This review provides an overview on the targeting of BLyS in lupus animal models, the use of belimumab in human SLE, and relevant patents.
Department of Medicine of the University of California Los Angeles, 1000 Veteran Avenue 32-59, Los Angeles, California 90095-1670, USA.
Yaoyang
Y
Liu
Antonio
A
La Cava
D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D053264:B-Cell Activating Factor / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D017277:Drug Approval; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D015195:Drug Design; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D010330:Patents as Topic; D014481:United States; D014486:United States Food and Drug Administration
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D053264:B-Cell Activating Factor; C511911:belimumab