Terapias biológicas en el lupus eritematoso sistémico / Biological therapies in systemic lupus erythematosus

ABSTRACT

The immunosuppressive agents used in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have signifcantly improved prognosis. However, it is necessary to develop more specifc immunosuppressive treatments with less toxicity. Better understanding of the mechanisms involved in the loss of tolerance in autoimmune diseases has contributed to the development of potential new treatments called biologic therapies. The targets of these biological therapies are directed toward the B cell depletion, interference in the co-stimulation signals and the blockade of cytokines. Therapies using anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies have shown satisfactory results especially in patients with SLE refractory to conventional treatment. The biological therapies provide encouraging results that represent a possible option in the treatment of refractory patients as well as a potential therapy in the future management of SLE.