Immunogenicity of anti-tumour necrosis factor drugs in rheumatic diseases

Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2013 Nov-Dec;31(6):954-63. Epub 2013 Aug 26.

Abstract

Despite the significant advantages in clinical practice associated with TNF-inhibitors, a loss of response over time is sometimes observed, in some cases possibly due to immunogenicity, i.e. the development of antibodies direct against the drug. This review evaluates the immunogenicity of different anti-TNF agents, and discusses its effects on efficacy and safety. Available evidence indicates that all anti-TNF drugs may induce an immune response. However, the variation in the occurrence of anti-drug antibodies, as well as the variation in the impact of antibodies on the efficacy and safety, can be explained by drug conformation itself, use of concomitant immunosuppressants and differences in dosing regimen and route of administration. The association between the development of anti-drug antibodies and low drug serum concentrations is clinically relevant since it is likely related to low response. Strict monitoring of neutralising antibodies might be useful for tailoring therapeutic strategy. There is no evidence of cross-reactivity among different drugs: immunogenicity (the development of specific anti-drug antibodies to one TNF inhibitor) does not seem to affect the effectiveness of another anti-TNF agents; therefore, switching to another drug of the same class might be effective in patients who have developed anti-drug antibodies to a TNF inhibitor.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies / blood*
  • Antirheumatic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antirheumatic Agents / adverse effects
  • Antirheumatic Agents / immunology*
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Drug Tolerance
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / administration & dosage
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / immunology*
  • Rheumatic Diseases / diagnosis
  • Rheumatic Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Rheumatic Diseases / immunology
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / metabolism

Substances

  • Antibodies
  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha