2024 Volume 38 Issue 3 Pages 306-310
Anifrolumab is an anti-type I interferon receptor subunit 1 monoclonal antibody. It is approved for treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Japan. Type I interferons are central to developing SLE. Anifrolumab inhibits the type I interferon signaling, which reduces the expression of CD80 and CD83 on dendritic cells, suppresses the survival factors of B cells, inhibits B cell differentiation, and restricts T cell activation. Clinical trials have shown that anifrolumab improves various parameters such as disease activity response, reduction in glucocorticoid dosage, skin disease activity, active joint count, and healing rates. Based on these results, the 2023 update of the EULAR Recommendations lists anifrolumab as one of the treatment options for SLE in patients who have not developed lupus nephritis. It is important to note that anifrolumab is only approved for adults in Japan and is not intended for children.
