Cytokines and Their Roles in the Pathogenesis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: From Basics to Recent Advances
Table 1
Important cytokines in SLE: the major secreting cells and possible clinical applications.
Cytokines
Major secreting cells
Possible Clinical applications
IL-6
Monocytes
(i) Tocilizumab (Anti-IL6R Ab) showed good efficacy and tolerability in phase 1 trial for mild to moderate lupus [25]
Fibroblasts
Endothelial cells
IL-10
Monocytes
(ii) Anti-IL10 monoclonal antibody improve cutaneous lesions, joint symptoms and SLEDAI in lupus patients [34]
Lymphocytes
IL-17
Lymphocytes (Th-17 subset)
(iii) Still under investigation
BLys
Monocytes
(iv) Belimumab (monoclonal Ab against soluble BLys) showed reduction in CD B cells but no significant improvement in disease activity [65]
Macrophages
Dendritic cells
(v) Atacicept (fusion protein against TACI receptor) showed clinical improvement for moderate lupus but phase II trial suspended due to high infective risk
Activated neutrophils
Type 1 Interferon (IFN)
Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (PDC)
(vi) IFN regulated chemokines used in monitoring of disease activity and organ damage [90, 91]
(vii) Anti-IFN monoclonal antibody showed improvement in disease activity in phase I trial [92]
TNF-alpha
Macrophages
(viii) Infliximab (Anti-TNFα) improved joint symptoms and proteinuria in lupus patients with moderate activity [103]
Dendritic cells
(ix) Infliximab (Anti-TNFα) resulted in sustained remission in Class IV lupus nephritis patients who failed to achieve remission with steroid/MMF/cyclosporine [104]
