Telitacicept for autoimmune nephropathy

Jingjing Cai, Dan Gao, Dongwei Liu, Zhangsuo Liu, Jingjing Cai, Dan Gao, Dongwei Liu, Zhangsuo Liu

Abstract

B cells and the humoral immunity are important players in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. BAFF (also known as BLYS) and a proliferation-inducing ligand APRIL are required for the maintenance of the B-cell pool and humoral immunity. BAFF and APRIL can promote B-cell differentiation, maturation, and plasma cell antibody secretion. BAFF/APRIL overexpression has been identified in several autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, IgA nephropathy, etc. Telitacicept, a novel fully human TACI-Fc fusion protein that binds both BAFF and APRIL, was approved in China in March 2021 for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus at a recommended dose of 160 mg/w subcutaneously and is in clinical trials for the treatment of multiple indications in other autoimmune diseases. In this review, we explored telitacicept's mechanism of action and clinical data. In addition, the immune features of autoimmune nephropathy were discussed, emphasizing lupus nephritis, IgA nephropathy, and membranous nephropathy.

Keywords: B-cell activating factor BAFF; IgA nephropathy; a proliferation-inducing ligand APRIL; lupus nephritis; telitacicept.

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Copyright © 2023 Cai, Gao, Liu and Liu.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Development and differentiation of B2 cell lines (6) (Adapted from Schrezenmeier et al. By Figdraw).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Mechanism of action for telitacicept (By Figdraw).

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