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Biologics-induced autoimmune diseases.
Roberto Perez-Alvarez1, Marta Pérez-de-Lis, Manuel Ramos-Casals
1Department of Medicine, Hospital do Meixoeiro, Vigo, Institutd'InvestigacionsBiomèdiques August Pi iSunyer (IDIBAPS), Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain.
Current Opinion in Rheumatology
|November 2, 2012
Summary
Biological agents can paradoxically induce autoimmune diseases, with over 1500 cases reported. As biologic use expands, expect more diverse drug-induced autoimmune disorders, sometimes treated with the same agents.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Biological agents target specific immune system molecules for treating various diseases.
- Their use is associated with the paradoxical development of autoimmune processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the development of autoimmune diseases induced by biological agents.
- To highlight the increasing number and diversity of these adverse events.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of reported cases of biologic-induced autoimmune diseases.
- Analysis of associated biologic agents and the types of autoimmune processes.
Main Results:
- Over 1500 cases of biologic-induced autoimmune diseases reported, including systemic and organ-specific conditions.
- While anti-TNF agents are most frequently implicated, other biologic therapies are also associated.
- Reported conditions include lupus, vasculitis, sarcoidosis, interstitial lung disease, multiple sclerosis, and autoimmune hepatitis.
Conclusions:
- The expanding use of biological therapies is expected to increase the incidence and variety of induced autoimmune disorders.
- Paradoxically, some treatments for these drug-induced conditions involve the same biological agents causing the adverse effects.
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