Background:Type I interferons (IFN-Is) are a group of molecules with pleiotropic effects on the immune system forming a crucial link between innate and adaptive immune responses. The type I interferon pathway has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of rheumatic diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis. IFN activity is usually quantified using expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) referred to as an IFN signature. Acellbia (BIOCAD) is the first Russian rituximab (RTX) biosimilar which was approved for medical use in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in Russia and some CIS countries.Objectives:To evaluate the changes in expression of ISGs in patients (pts) with RA during RTX biosimilar therapyMethods:20 RA pts (18 woman, Me;IQR age 61.5(54-66.5) years, disease duration 39.5(20-84) months, mean DAS 28 5.6(4.9-6.8)) received two intravenous RTX biosimilar infusions (600 mg №2) in combination with DMARDs and glucocorticoids. Laboratory biomarkers were assessed at baseline and 24 weeks after the first infusion of RTX. 5 genes (IFI44L, MX1, IFIT 1, RSAD2, EPSTI1) were selected for evaluation of the “interferon signature” (Type I IFN gene signature – IFNGS). IFI44L and IFIT1 expression was undetectable, therefore the remaining three genes (MSX1, EPSTI1, RSAD2) were included into further analysis. IFNGS was calculated as the average expression values of the three selected genes. The control group included 20 age and gender matching healthy donors.Results:The baseline expression levels of MX1-11.48 (5.45-19.38), EPSTI1-12.83 (5.62-19.64), RSAD2-5.16 (2.73-10.4), and IFNGS-10.3 (5.18-17.12) in RA patients were significantly higher compared to healthy donors– 1,26 (0,73-1,6); 1,06 (0,81-1,48); 0,93 (0,72-1,19); 1,09 (0,92-1,42), (p<0.05, respectively). IFNGS was detected in 15 (75%) patients, and was not found in 5 (15%) patients. RTX induced reduction in disease activity, and the level of acute phase reactants (ESR, CRP) after 12 and 24 weeks of therapy, p<0.05 (fig.1). Increased RSAD 2 expression (p<0.05) and a trend to increasing IFNGS levels (p=0.06) were documented in the whole group, and also in patients with moderate treatment effects by week 24. Among patients with a good EULAR response to therapy, changes in expression were not significant (p> 0.05) (fig.1)Figure 1.Conclusion:Expression of IFN-stimulated genes was increased in RA patients compared to healthy donors. Increased RSAD2 and IFNGS expression was documented in patients with moderate effect of RTX therapy, therefore, these findings have important clinical relevance as predictors of RA clinical course which necessitates personified approach to treatment.Disclosure of Interests:None declared
Type I interferons have no major influence on humoral autoimmunity in rheumatoid arthritis