Emerging therapies for systemic lupus erythematosus--focus on targeting interferon-alpha.

ABSTRACT: Current therapies for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a debilitating, potentially lethal, multifactorial systemic autoimmune disease, are limited to suppressing disease activity and are associated with multiple adverse effects. Recent advances in basic and translational sciences have elucidated a crucial role for the interferon-alpha (IFN?) pathway in the pathogenesis of this enigmatic disease. The so-called "type I interferon signature" has emerged as a major risk factor for disease activity of SLE. Multiple genes encoding for molecules within the type I interferon pathway have been associated with SLE in genome wide association studies. In addition, innate immune receptors are thought to be triggered by either endogenous and/or exogenous stimuli that lead to hypersecretion of IFN?. We review the multiple emerging treatment strategies targeting IFN?-related pathways. These include monoclonal antibodies against IFN?, anti-IFN? antibody-inducing vaccines, and inhibitors of Toll-like receptors. We also summarize the current status of these pharmaceutical agents in early clinical trials.

SUBMITTER: Lichtman EI 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3358492 | biostudies-other | 2012 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other