[The CD40-CD40L axis: Current and future implications in clinical immunology]. / L'axe CD40-CD40L : implications actuelles et futures en immunologie clinique.

The CD40-CD40 ligand (CD40L) pathway is a backbone of communication between cells of the immune system. It makes it possible to generate a proinflammatory signal and thus participates in the pathogenesis of dysimmune diseases, transplant rejection and atherosclerosis. Because of this therapeutic target of choice, several generations of anti-CD40L monoclonal antibodies have emerged since the 1990s. The first generation of antibodies was responsible for thromboembolic toxicity for which the mechanisms are starting to be defined. New generations of antibodies were designed to overcome this toxicity and are still being developed in lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome or immunologic thrombocytopenia. In addition to these targeted therapies, there are data suggesting the impact of several drugs among molecules used in cardiology and clinical immunology on the level of CD40L. The objective of this review is to recall the clinical issues related to the CD40-CD40L axis and to present current or future treatments that block CD40L which would allow clinicians to diversify their options for managing dysimmune diseases.

[Systemic lupus erythematosus and contraception: A systematic literature review]. / Lupus érythémateux systémique et contraception : revue systématique de la littérature.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to evaluate the safety of contraceptive methods use among women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed using the two databases MEDLINE and SCOPUS, in order to identify articles concerning the safety of contraceptive methods use among women with SLE, through May 2016. Information on study characteristics, objectives, population, contraception and outcomes were extracted. RESULTS: A total of 907 articles were identified and 21 were selected for the systematic review. Two randomised controlled trials found no worsening of disease activity with the use of combined oral contraceptive in women with stable or inactive SLE. Disease activity was not exacerbated with the use of progestogens-only contraceptive. There was an increased risk of thrombosis with the use of combined contraceptive, particularly in women with positive antiphospholipid antibodies and this must lead to a restriction of use in these patients. CONCLUSION: Use of oral combined hormonal contraceptives should be limited to patients with non-severe and stable disease, without thrombosis risk factors.