Peptide-based immunotherapy in lupus: Where are we now?

Abstract

In autoimmune rheumatic diseases, immune hyperactivity and chronic inflammation associate with immune dysregulation and the breakdown of immune self-tolerance. A continued, unresolved imbalance between effector and regulatory immune responses further exacerbates inflammation that ultimately causes tissue and organ damage. Many treatment modalities have been developed to restore the immune tolerance and immmunoregulatory balance in autoimmune rheumatic diseases, including the use of peptide-based therapeutics or the use of nanoparticles-based nanotechnology. This review summarizes the state-of-the-art therapeutic use of peptide-based therapies in autoimmune rheumatic diseases, with a specific focus on lupus.

Peptide Therapy Update

“…This can be attributed to the advantages of peptides including deep tissue penetration, efficient internalization into cells, lower immunogenicity and toxicity to the bone marrow and liver, and easy modification using chemicals compared to antibodies [5]. In autoimmune diseases they regulate inflammation, restore immune tolerance, and prevent tissue damage [6]. This is completed inducing and directing regulatory cells of the immune system to their required destinations.…”