Targeted therapies for lupus nephritis: Current perspectives and future directions.
10.1097/CM9.0000000000002959
- Author:
Xiuzhi JIA
1
;
Yuewen LU
1
;
Xunhua ZHENG
1
;
Ruihan TANG
1
;
Wei CHEN
1
Author Information
1. Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH:
Humans;
Calcineurin Inhibitors/therapeutic use*;
Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use*;
Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/drug therapy*;
Lupus Nephritis/pathology*;
Mycophenolic Acid/therapeutic use*
- From:
Chinese Medical Journal
2024;137(1):34-43
- CountryChina
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Lupus nephritis (LN), a severe manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus, poses a substantial risk of progression to end-stage renal disease, with increased mortality. Conventional therapy for LN relies on broad-spectrum immunosuppressants such as glucocorticoids, mycophenolate mofetil, and calcineurin inhibitors. Although therapeutic regimens have evolved over the years, they have inherent limitations, including non-specific targeting, substantial adverse effects, high relapse rates, and prolonged maintenance and remission courses. These drawbacks underscore the need for targeted therapeutic strategies for LN. Recent advancements in our understanding of LN pathogenesis have led to the identification of novel therapeutic targets and the emergence of biological agents and small-molecule inhibitors with improved specificity and reduced toxicity. This review provides an overview of the current evidence on targeted therapies for LN, elucidates the biological mechanisms of responses and failure, highlights the challenges ahead, and outlines strategies for subsequent clinical trials and integrated immunomodulatory approaches.
