B cell alterations during BAFF inhibition with belimumab in SLE.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease, which exhibits multiple B cell abnormalities including expanded populations of memory B cells and elevated levels of autoantibodies. Belimumab is a monoclonal antibody targeting the B cell cytokine BAFF (a.k.a. BLyS), approved for the treatment of SLE.

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, B cells from peripheral blood of 23 SLE patients initiating belimumab treatment and followed longitudinally for up to three years, were assessed using mass cytometry.

Findings

B cells decreased during the study period, with a rapid decrease of both naïve and CD11c⁺CD21^- B cells at the first follow-up visit, followed by a continuous reduction at subsequent follow-ups. In contrast

SUBMITTER: Ramskold D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6412067 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature