Table 3. Summary of B-Cell Depleting Compounds Already Approved or in Development for Treatment SLE and RA and Their Effects in Experimental Atherosclerosis (if Applicable).
Compound | Function | Effect on B Cells | Effect on Murine Atherosclerosis | Clinical Application | Reference |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
α-CD20 | Cross-linking of CD20 receptor | Fcγ receptor–mediated B-cell depletion | Decreased atherosclerosis | RA | 35 |
α-BAFF | Neutralization of circulating BAFF | B2 cell apoptosis | Unknown | SLE (Belimumab) | 135 |
BAFFR-Fc | Neutralization of both circulating and membrane-bound BAFF | B2 cell apoptosis | Unknown | Unknown | 136 |
α-BAFFR | BAFF receptor blockage | B2 cell apoptosis | Decreased atherosclerosis | Unknown | 31 |
TACI-Fc | Neutralization of circulating and membrane-bound BAFF and APRIL | B2 cell and plasma cell apoptosis | Unknown | Phase 3 clinical trial for SLE (Atacicept) | 137,138 |
APRIL indicates a proliferation inducing ligand; BAFFR, B-cell–activating factor receptor; RA, rheumatoid arthritis; SLE, systemic lupus erythematosus; and TACI, transmembrane activator and calcium modulator and cyclophilin ligand interactor.