Molecular signature-based decision making in the era of targeted therapies for systemic lupus erythematosus.

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterised by prominent heterogeneity in terms of clinical and molecular phenotypes, which has resulted in numerous trial failures in the past few decades. However, technological advances along with improved understanding of disease pathogenesis and collaborative efforts to define adequate treatment targets have resulted in an increasing number of trial successes and the first approved targeted therapies—ie, the monoclonal antibody belimumab, which targets the B-cell growth factor BAFF (also known as B lymphocyte stimulator, or BLyS), and anifrolumab, which targets type 1 interferon receptor subunit 1.