Belimumab and antipneumococcal vaccination in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

In systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), flares can be caused by infections. In particular, Streptococcus pneumoniae infection can be severe or even potentially lethal in absence of previous immunization or in case of 'aggressive' systemic antibiotic therapy. Immunization efficacy, however, can be reduced in such patients with the use of the various immunosuppressive therapeutic regimens. In particular, the use of novel monoclonal antibodies against B lymphocytes raises concerns over the potential interference with antipneumococcal vaccination. Previous studies demonstrated that belimumab therapy did not significantly reduce the efficacy of antipneumococcal vaccination, when received after the initiation of belimumab therapy. The study being evaluated in this article investigated the efficacy of vaccination in relationship to initiation of belimumab therapy in SLE patients.