Therapeutic strategies for SLE involving cytokines: Mechanism-oriented therapies especially IFN-λ targeting gene therapy

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE: lupus) is a chronic complicated autoimmune disease and pathogenesis is still unclear. However, key cytokines have been recognized. Interferon (IFN)-λ and also IFN / are of particular importance. Depending on the concept that lupus is a helper T(Th)1 disease and that dendritic cells (DCs) determine the direction of lupus, balance shift of Th1/Th2 and immunogenic/tolerogenic DCs is reviewed for therapy. (IFN)- λ - and IFN-λ / -targeted (gene) therapies are introduced. These consist of Th1/Th2 balance shift and elimination of IFN- and IFN-λ -related cytokines such as (interleukin)IL-12 and IL-18. Other approaches include suppression of immunocompetent cells, normalization of abnormal T-cell function, costimulation blockade, B lymphocyte stimulator (Blys) blockade, and suppression of nephritic kidney inflammation. Moreover, balance shift of IFN-λ / and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)- together with regulatory T(Treg) cells are briefely introduced. Clinical application will be discussed. © 2010 Toshiharu Hayashi.