title: Systemic lupus erythematosus and other autoimmune rheumatic diseases: challenges to treatment.
abstract: Increased understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenenesis of autoimmune rheumatic diseases has led to targeted biological treatments that modulate various aspects of the immune response. These new treatments, together with more judicious use of other immunosuppressive drugs, have resulted in marked improvements in morbidity and mortality. Although belimumab, an agent that inhibits B-cell survival, is the first drug to be approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus in 50 years, many other immunological targets are under investigation. We discuss the recent advances in the biological treatment of autoimmune rheumatic diseases, with a particular focus on systemic lupus erythematosus.
authors: Centre for Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University College London Hospital, London, UK.
authors: Grainne
authors: G
authors: Murphy
authors: Larissa
authors: L
authors: Lisnevskaia
authors: David
authors: D
authors: Isenberg
mesh_terms: D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D001688:Biological Products / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D012216:Rheumatic Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D001688:Biological Products; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; C511911:belimumab