The transplantation of human placental cells was found to suppress immune and inflammatory responses in a mouse model of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), suggesting a potential new therapeutic strategy for lupus, a study shows. The study, “Therapeutic effect of human amniotic epithelial cells in murine models of…
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Kidney function improved and inflammation eased in a mice model of lupus nephritis by preventing a receptor — called Axl — on a protein complex from turning active by using a small molecule now in clinical testing, researchers report. Their study, “Targeted inhibition of Axl receptor tyrosine kinase ameliorates anti-GBM-…
Anifrolumab, MedImmune‘s investigational antibody being developed to treat systemic lupus erythematosus, is no better than placebo at reducing disease activity, results from the pivotal TULIP 1 Phase 3 clinical trial show. “The result of this trial is disappointing for patients and the lupus community,” Sean Bohen, MD, PhD, said in…
Levels of circulating cell-free DNA can potentially be used as a biomarker for assessing disease activity and monitoring treatment effectiveness in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a study shows. The study, “High levels of circulating cell free DNA are a biomarker of active SLE,” was published in…
A series of recently identified small molecules targeting a protein called NR2F6 could lead to new treatments for autoimmune diseases such as lupus, according to Regen BioPharma. NR2F6 is a type of molecule called transcription factor that suppresses gene expression — the transcription of DNA into RNA, the…
Aker BioMarine, in collaboration with the Lupus Research Alliance, is launching the first clinical trial to assess the therapeutic activity and benefits of fatty-rich krill oil in people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The trial (NCT03626311), which is not recruiting yet, is expected to enroll about 76 adults…
Urinary Levels of 3 Proteins Are Potential Biomarkers of Lupus Nephritis Progression, Study Suggests
The levels of three specific proteins in the urine may help predict kidney injury and outcomes in patients with lupus nephritis, a study reports. The study, “Composite urinary biomarkers to predict pathological tubulointerstitial lesions in lupus nephritis,” was published in the journal Lupus. Kidney dysfunction affects up to…
Smoking was found to be associated with an increased risk of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) among black women, while moderate alcohol consumption significantly reduces the chances of developing the disease, a study reports. These findings are consistent with studies done in other…
CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield and Exagen Diagnostics are collaborating on a study to assess the impact of the AVISE Lupus test, Exagen’s diagnostic test for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). “I have worked with CareFirst as a provider for a number of years and am excited to continue to work with CareFirst…
A type of immune cell found in the outer layer of the skin, called Langerhans cells, seem to be essential to protect the skin against photosensitivity in cutaneous and systemic forms of lupus. The study, “A protective Langerhans cell–keratinocyte axis that is dysfunctional in photosensitivity,” was published in…
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