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Table 2 Representative approaches that indirectly target B cells by blocking cytokine signaling

From: Rationale of anti-CD19 immunotherapy: an option to target autoreactive plasma cells in autoimmunity

Target

Agent

Mechanism of action (B cells)

Developmental status

BAFF/BLyS

Belimumab (Anti-BlyS)

Partial B-cell depletion

Approved for SLE

BAFF and APRIL

Atacicept (TACI-Ig)

 

Phase I/II for RA, phase II/III for SLE

TNFα/lymphotoxin-β

Etanercept

Disruption of germinal centers

Approved for RA, SpA, JIA and PsA

IL-6 receptor

Tocilizumab

Blocks of B-cell and plasma cell differentiation

Approved for RA, JIA and Castleman's disease, phase I for SLE reported

Type I interferon

MEDI 545

Blocks plasma cell production

Phase II for SLE

 

RhuMAb IFNα

 

Phase II for SLE

  1. APRIL, a proliferation-inducing ligand; BAFF, B-cell activating factor; JIA, juvenile idiopathic arthritis; RA, rheumatoid arthritis; SLE, systemic lupus erythematosus; PsA, psoriatic arthritis; SpA, spondyloarthritis; TACI, transmembrane activator and calcium modulator and cyclophilin ligand interactor.