Author: Latika Gupta
Ghossan et al. (0732) established that while B cell depletion is associated with a better response to RTX at the start of treatment, the persistence of complete B cell depletion is not associated with better efficacy of RTX in RA patients receiving this treatment over the long term.
Guy et al. (0005) established that Obexelimab Inhibits B Cell Activation and May Interfere with B Cell Chemotaxis in IgG4-Related Disease. Paired with the previous published data demonstrating attenuation of BCR signalling, obexelimab not only reduces PIP3-dependent BCR-induced BTK activation in B cells from IgG4-RD patients but could also enhance PI(3,4)P2 phosphoinositide-mediated B cell migration, possibly causing sequestration of B cells.
Ohtsuki et al. (0800) found that maldifferentiation of CD4+ T cells in GCA patients was associated with the excessive production of three effector cytokines: IL-9 (p=0.02), IL-21 (p=0.028), and IFN-γ (p=0.03). This suggests that the differentiation of CD4+ memory T cells is abnormal, leading to the selective expansion of immature and multifunctional T cells, while the transition into effector T cells is decelerated.
Peters et al. (1586) et al identified VISTA as a suppressor of IFN-I production in keratinocytes. Antibody-mediated activation of VISTA in keratinocytes demonstrates its potential as a target to suppress IFN-I production in the context of photosensitivity and lupus.
Yang et al. (1590) suggested RGT-118 is a highly potent, selective and orally bioavailable small molecule STING antagonist with demonstrated efficacy in several preclinical animal models. With a favourable therapeutic window, RGT-118 provides therapeutic opportunities in multiple autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Almeida de Jesus et al. (1712) et al identified Eight CANDLE/PRAAS causing proteasome variants in five unrelated patients expanding the spectrum of genetic variants that will improve molecular diagnosis and genetic counseling of patients with autoinflammation.
Taunmann et al. (2463) et al presented exciting data from three ASS patients treated with CD19 CAR-T-cells leading to drug-free remission and resolution of muscle and lung inflammation.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Latika Gupta
Latika is a consultant rheumatologist and Senior lecturer working at the Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust and University of Manchester, UK. She has an interest in myositis, equity and digital health.
Besides medical teaching, Dr Gupta enjoys travelling and photo painting.
Latika is the co-chair of the social media sub-committee.