Laboratory Monitoring of Biological Therapies in Rheumatology: The Role of Immunogenicity

Ann Lab Med. 2020 Mar;40(2):101-113. doi: 10.3343/alm.2020.40.2.101.

Abstract

Biological drugs, such as proteins and immunogens, are increasingly used to treat various diseases, including tumors and autoimmune diseases, and biological molecules have almost completely replaced synthetic drugs in rheumatology. Although biological treatments such as anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) drugs seem to be quite safe, they cause some undesirable effects, such as the onset of infections due to weakening of the immune system. Given the biological nature of these drugs, they might be recognized as extraneous; this would induce an immune reaction that neutralizes their effectiveness or lead to more serious consequences. Laboratories play a pivotal role in appropriate therapeutic management. The aim of this review was to underline the production of anti-drug antibodies during treatment with biological drugs and highlight the role of laboratories in ensuring appropriate use of these drugs.

Keywords: Anti-drug antibodies; Anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) drugs; Antibodies; Biological drugs.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adalimumab / blood
  • Adalimumab / immunology
  • Adalimumab / therapeutic use
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / blood
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / immunology
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / drug therapy
  • Biological Factors / blood*
  • Biological Factors / immunology
  • Biological Factors / therapeutic use
  • Biosimilar Pharmaceuticals / blood
  • Biosimilar Pharmaceuticals / therapeutic use
  • Drug Monitoring*
  • Humans

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Biological Factors
  • Biosimilar Pharmaceuticals
  • Adalimumab