Table 2

Representative approaches that indirectly target B cells by blocking cytokine signaling

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

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.

Mei et al. Arthritis Research & Therapy 2012 14(Suppl 5):S1   doi:10.1186/ar3909