Anti-TNF-induced lupus

Rheumatology (Oxford). 2009 Jul;48(7):716-20. doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/kep080. Epub 2009 May 4.

Abstract

The use of protein-based anti-TNF-alpha therapies such as antibodies and soluble TNF-alpha receptors is commonly associated with the induction of autoantibodies, whereas anti-TNF-induced lupus (ATIL) is rare. ATIL can occur with any of the available TNF inhibitors, but the frequency and clinical characteristics of ATIL vary between different drugs. Cutaneous, renal and cerebral involvement as well as dsDNA antibodies are more common in ATIL compared to classical drug-induced lupus (DIL), suggesting different pathogenic mechanisms of ATIL and DIL. True ATIL must be clinically differentiated from mixed CTD, SLE or overlap syndromes unmasked, but not induced, by anti-TNF-alpha treatment of unclassified polyarthritis. The pathogenesis of ATIL is still unknown. Concomitant immunosuppression can reduce autoantibody formation in ATIL, and withdrawal of anti-TNF-alpha therapy usually leads to resolution of symptoms. Steroids and/or immunosuppressive therapy may be required in severe cases.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use
  • Antirheumatic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antirheumatic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / drug therapy
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / immunology
  • Autoantibodies / immunology
  • Histones / immunology
  • Humans
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / chemically induced*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / immunology
  • Mice
  • Models, Animal
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / therapeutic use
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / antagonists & inhibitors*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • Autoantibodies
  • Histones
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha