title: Update on B-cell targeted therapies for systemic lupus erythematosus.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by flares and remission, leading to accrual of organ damage over time as a result of persistent tissue inflammation and treatment-related complications. Novel therapies aiming at better treatment response and fewer adverse effects are being tested in the pipeline.
  
  
  METHODS
  This review summarizes the B-cell abnormalities observed in patients with SLE, and updates recent data on the efficacy and safety of B-cell targeted therapies in the treatment of SLE. The pitfalls of clinical trial design and future directions of the development of SLE therapeutics are discussed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The variability of clinical response to treatment in SLE reflects the clinical and immunological heterogeneity of the disease. The treatment plan for patients with SLE should be individualized with the aim of eradicating disease activity, preventing flares and minimizing treatment-related complications. Despite the disappointment of recent clinical trials, B-cell remains the promising target of future SLE therapies. Results from ongoing clinical trials on B-cell targeted biological agents are eagerly awaited.
authors.affiliation: Tuen Mun Hospital, Department of Medicine , Tsing Chung Koon Road, New Territories, Hong Kong, SAR , China +852 2468 5386 ; +852 2456 9100 ; ccmok2005@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Chi Chiu
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Mok
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000276:immunology; D015551:Autoimmunity / Q000187:drug effects; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance / Q000187:drug effects; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D061988:Proteasome Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000954:Antigens, Surface; D061988:Proteasome Inhibitors
keywords: B-cell; biologics; lupus; modulation; novel; targeted therapy; therapeutics; therapy