Take the Lupus Biological Target Test!

Step right up, play the lupus target game!

Have a look at the list of immune targets for possible lupus medications presented at the ACR 2016 and decide which are real (true) and which are not real (false). (Answers with medication name are at the end).

1) BDCA2 - plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC)-specific receptor that inhibits the production of IFN-I and other inflammatory mediators produced by human pDCs

2) FxLuPSS – novel indirect pathway increasing genetic transcription for type 1 interferon

3) MTOR inhibition – medication originates from Easter Island (Rapa Nui); past role in prevention of organ transplant rejection

4) Troll-Like 7 – binding this cytokine prevents antigen presentation on MHC cells; discovered in caves of Norway in Viking remains

5) Type 1 Interferon receptor – blockade of this with a fully human IgG1k monoclonal antibody

6) NtblyssFl – pro-CD20 cytokine which, if blocked, down-regulates B cell proliferation

7) Calcineurin – inhibition of this promotes anti-inflammatory response; strong resemblance to two other classic immunosuppressants but proposed to have fewer side effects

ANSWERS:

1) True - BIIB059 - early proof of concept study for active cutaneous lupus

2) False (made it up!)

3) True - Sirolimus (Rapamycin) - reduces SLE disease activity, studies are ongoing

4) False (made it up!)

5) True - Anifrolumab (ongoing studies, presented in RheumReports by Dr. Janet Pope; reduces SLE disease activity)

6) False (made it up!)

7) True - Voclosporin - presented at late breaking abstracts as add-on to MMF for lupus nephritis (updated version of cyclosporine, tacrolimus)

More reports from ACR 2016