Immunotherapeutic agents for SLE

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a multi-organ autoimmune disease with complex multifactorial pathogenesis and progression. In contrast to the revolution of the immunosuppressive armamentarium in other systemic autoimmune diseases, the therapeutic tools used in SLE have so far been limited, and most drugs are well established and have been used for some time, albeit in new combinations and dosages. However, this scenario is changing as new biological agents are becoming available or showing promise in the pipeline. The authors of this six-chapter book have come together to address a variety of innovative approaches for the treatment of SLE, which are either already available or under active validation. The initial chapter provides a scene-setting overview of the immunopathogenesis of SLE and drug targets in this complex disease. Subsequent chapters address new therapeutic options: rituximab, belimumab, epratuzumab and intravenous immunoglobulins. The closing chapter covers other novel immunotherapeutic agents that are in the pipeline and future directions for the management of this difficult autoimmune disease.