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The formation of autoantibodies and antibodies to TNF-α blocking agents in relation to clinical response in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.
S. Arends, H.R. Lebbink, A. Spoorenberg, L.B. Bungener, C. Roozendaal, E. Van Der Veer, P.M. Houtman, E.N. Griep, P.C. Limburg, C.G.M. Kallenberg, G.J. Wolbink, E. Brouwer
CER830
2010 Vol.28, N°5
PI 0661, PF 0668
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PMID: 20822711 [PubMed]
Received: 15/01/2010
Accepted : 22/03/2010
In Press: 22/10/2010
Published: 22/10/2010
Abstract
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the influence of antibody formation to TNF-α blocking agents on the clinical response in AS patients treated with infliximab (IFX), etanercept (ETA), or adalimumab (ADA), and to investigate the development of ANA, ANCA, and anti-dsDNA antibodies in association with the formation of antibodies to TNF-α blocking agents.
METHODS:
Consecutive AS outpatients with active disease who started treatment with IFX (n=20), ETA (n=20), or ADA (n=20) were included in this longitudinal observational study. Clinical data were collected prospectively at baseline and after 3, 6, and 12 months of anti-TNF-α treatment. At the same time points, serum samples were collected. In these samples, antibodies to TNF-α blocking agents, serum TNF-α blocker levels, and ANA, ANCA, and anti-dsDNA antibodies were measured retrospectively.
RESULTS:
Anti-IFX, anti-ETA, and anti-ADA antibodies were induced in 20%, 0%, and 30% of patients, respectively. Although ANA, ANCA, and anti-dsDNA antibodies were detected during anti-TNF-α treatment, no significant association was found between the presence of these autoantibodies and the formation of antibodies to TNF-α blocking agents. Patients with anti-IFX or anti-ADA antibodies had significantly lower serum TNF-α blocker levels compared to patients without these antibodies. Furthermore, significant negative correlations were found between serum TNF-α blocker levels and assessments of disease activity.
CONCLUSIONS:
This study indicates that antibody formation to IFX or ADA is related to a decrease in efficacy and early discontinuation of anti-TNF-α treatment in AS patients. Furthermore, autoantibody formation does not seem to be associated with antibody formation to TNF-α blocking agents.
