Systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a typical autoimmune disease that leads to multiple organ damage. For over half a century, SLE has been treated mainly with nonspecific glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants, and the development of molecular target drugs with few adverse reactions is awaited. The treatment goal is remission without systemic symptoms or organ damage. An anti-B-cell activating factor antibody belimumab and an anti-type I interferon receptor antibody anifrolumab are used for patients with active SLE who respond poorly to standard of cares. Additionally, as many susceptibility genes for SLE are associated with signal transduction of dendritic and B cells, cytokines and signaling molecules that bridge the innate and adaptive immune systems are the current focus of attention. Promising approaches include the development of a Janus kinase inhibitors targeting tyrosine kinase deucravacitinib, plasmacytoid dendritic cell-targeted drugs, proteasome inhibitors (e.g., iberdomide), type II anti-CD20 antibody, and obinutuzumab.

Keywords: Biological agent; Lupus nephritis; Systemic lupus erythematosus; Targeted therapy; Treatment.