[Allergo-immunology. Clinical immunology]

Abstract

The past year has been characterized by significant novelties from the point of view of the clinical immunologist. With the BLISS 52 study showing that belimumab has the ability to decrease the activity of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) resistant to conventional therapy an important step towards the control of this difficult disease has been carried forward. In addition, the long-term results of the ALMS study have demonstrated that mycophenolate mofetil is superior to azathioprine in maintaining the remission in patients with severe lupus nephritis. Furthermore, the results of the RAVE and RITUXVASC studies have documented that rituximab is a valid alternative to cyclophosphamide in the control of ANCA associated vasculitis.