title: 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.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 1000 Veteran Avenue 32-59, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1670, USA. alacava@mednet.ucla.edu
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: La Cava
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / Q000627:therapeutic use; D053264:B-Cell Activating Factor / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000502:physiology; D017326:Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / Q000502:physiology; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects*; D053300:Tumor Necrosis Factor Ligand Superfamily Member 13 / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D053264:B-Cell Activating Factor; C120197:BLyS receptor; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor; D053300:Tumor Necrosis Factor Ligand Superfamily Member 13; C511911:belimumab