Long-term effects of combined B-cell immunomodulation with rituximab and belimumab in severe, refractory systemic lupus erythematosus: 2-year results.
Tineke KraaijEline J ArendsLaura S van DamSylvia W A KamerlingPaul L A van DaeleObbo W BredewoldArgho RayJaap Adriaan BakkerHans U SchererTom J W HuizingaTon J RabelinkCees van KootenY K Onno TengPublished in: Nephrology, dialysis, transplantation : official publication of the European Dialysis and Transplant Association - European Renal Association (2021)
Combined B-cell targeted therapy with RTX and BLM prevented full B-cell repopulation including DN B cells, with concomitant specific reduction of SLE-relevant autoantibodies. The observed immunological and clinical benefits in a therapy-refractory SLE population prompt further studies on RTX + BLM.