1. Introduction
Autoimmune and inflammatory diseases are diverse and complex groups of chronic, relapsing, and often debilitating disorders that occur when the immune system becomes overactive or misdirected, attacking the body’s own tissues or responding inappropriately to persistent inflammatory stimuli [ 1 , 2 ]. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and psoriasis affect millions of people globally, contributing to morbidity, reduced quality of life, and growing healthcare expenditure [ 3 , 4 ]. Although substantial research efforts have been undertaken, the fundamental pathophysiological processes of these diseases are still only partly elucidated. Nonetheless, advances in fields like drug delivery, molecular biology, and immunology over the past three decades have transformed therapeutic strategies, enabling the development of interventions that selectively target specific components of the immune system rather than relying solely on broad-spectrum immunosuppressants [ 5 , 6 ].
In the past, the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases mainly depended on these non-specific agents, such as corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as methotrexate, azathioprine, and cyclophosphamide [ 7 , 8 ]. While these therapies have been effective in controlling symptoms and delaying disease progression, they are often limited by incomplete disease control, adverse effects, and cumulative toxicity. Importantly, their broad immunosuppressive activity predisposes patients to opportunistic infections and malignancies, underscoring the need for more precise and safer therapeutic strategies [ 9 ]. With increasing insights into the immune pathways underlying these diseases, researchers have developed immunobiologics, engineered proteins such as monoclonal antibodies, soluble receptors, and fusion proteins, designed to selectively target specific immune cells, receptors, cytokines, or signaling molecules. Immunobiologics, commonly referred to as biologics, have revolutionized modern medicine by enabling a more targeted modulation of the immune system, interfering with discrete pathogenic pathways while preserving overall host defense [ 10 ]. For instance, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors have transformed the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and inflammatory bowel disease, converting previously severe conditions into manageable chronic disorders. Similarly, biologics targeting interleukin (IL)-17 or IL-23 pathways have demonstrated unprecedented efficacy in psoriasis, while B-cell depletion therapies, such as rituximab, have redefined management of systemic autoimmune conditions like lupus nephritis and vasculitis [ 11 , 12 ].
The advent of biologics has not only expanded therapeutic options but also provided critical insights into disease heterogeneity. Variability in patient responses to biologics, such as anti-TNF agents, revealed that individuals with the same clinical diagnosis may exhibit distinct underlying disease mechanisms [ 13 ]. This has prompted the investigation of novel therapeutic targets, including co-stimulatory pathways, adhesion molecules, and cytokine networks beyond TNF. Nonetheless, the widespread use of biologics has raised important considerations regarding long-term safety, immunogenicity, and high treatment costs. Challenges such as the development of neutralizing antibodies, increased susceptibility to infections, and rare but serious adverse events continue to be central concerns for both clinicians and patients [ 14 ]. From a scientific perspective, biologics represent a paradigm shift in translational research, bridging bench discoveries with effective bedside therapies for patients. The development of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies now constitutes a cornerstone of pharmaceutical pipelines [ 15 ]. Advances in genetic engineering, hybridoma technology, antibody humanization, and recombinant protein design have expedited the approval of several biologic agents for clinical use [ 16 ]. In parallel, the rapidly growing field of biosimilars, biologic products highly similar in structure and function to approved biologics, has emerged as a strategy to enhance patient access and reduce treatment costs, particularly in low- and middle-income countries [ 17 ].
Nevertheless, the field of immunobiologics is continuously evolving to respond effectively to the needs of all patients. Ongoing research into the development of next-generation biologics and combination regimens has improved pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, particularly through the integration of biologics with various small-molecule agents and synthetic drugs [ 18 ]. These advances aim to personalize biologic therapy, guided by biomarkers; however, reliable prediction of treatment response and adverse effects remains elusive and requires long-term studies. Despite these challenges, personalized medicine approaches hold the promise for tailoring therapy to individual immunological profiles, thereby optimizing efficacy while minimizing risks [ 19 ].
A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, supplemented by ClinicalTrials.gov and regulatory and trial-outcome data from the FDA and EMA public assessment and label databases. The search ranged from January 2000 to November 2025, prioritizing publications from the past five years (2021–2025) for clinical trial updates, biosimilar approvals, and safety data, while foundational mechanistic and historical approval literature was drawn from the full period. Search strategies utilized combinations of each biologic’s international nonproprietary name (INN) and developmental code with specific disease terms (such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, and systemic lupus erythematosus), mechanistic targets (such as TNF-α, IL-17, and IL-6 receptor), and study-type qualifiers (such as randomized controlled trial, phase III, biosimilar, immunogenicity, and pharmacovigilance). Inclusion was limited to peer-reviewed, English-language publications; conference abstracts without full-text data were excluded. Pivotal trials were selected based on their citation in FDA/EMA approval labels or their identification as primary registrational phase II/III studies within the drug’s regulatory history, which was further supplemented by selecting the highest-enrollment or most frequently cited trial when multiple studies were available.
With numerous biologics already approved and many others under clinical evaluation, a comprehensive review of their therapeutic applications across autoimmune and inflammatory diseases is imperative. Most available comprehensive reviews on immunobiologics are organized either by a single disease (such as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis alone) or by a single cytokine family. In contrast, this review utilizes a nomenclature architecture (mAb vs. fusion protein vs. recombinant protein vs. engineered fragment, of the WHO INN nomenclature hierarchy) and applies this analytical paradigm across seven distinct immune-pathway strategies and more than fifteen disease indications. This approach allows for the comparison of mechanistically analogous agents across multiple diseases rather than within a single diagnosis. This review focuses on the major immune-modulatory strategies employed by biologics, including targeting T-cell activation and adhesion, cytokine-directed therapies, and B-cell and IgE-targeted interventions. It also addresses underlying mechanisms of action, key clinical trial outcomes, and commercialization aspects, while elucidating future directions in the development of next-generation biologics.
2. Overview of Autoimmune and Inflammatory Diseases
Autoimmune and inflammatory diseases constitute a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by aberrant immune responses directed against self-antigens or dysregulated inflammatory cascades that lead to chronic tissue damage. In autoimmune diseases, both central and peripheral immune tolerance mechanisms become compromised, leading to the inappropriate recognition of autologous antigens as non-self and subsequent activation of autoreactive T and B lymphocytes. Inflammatory diseases, while sharing overlapping pathophysiological features, may additionally arise from excessive or poorly regulated immune responses to exogenous antigens, pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), or damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) through dysregulated innate immune signaling pathways [ 20 , 21 ]. Collectively, these pathological conditions affect 5–10% of the global population, contributing substantially to morbidity, functional disability, and socioeconomic healthcare expenditure. For instance, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects approximately 1% of the population worldwide, while systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has a prevalence of 20–150 people per 100,000 individuals, depending on ethnicity and geography [ 22 ]. Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, show a rising incidence in newly industrialized countries, reflecting the influence of environmental factors such as diet patterns, microbiome alterations, and urbanization [ 23 ].
The underlying immunopathogenesis involves complex interactions between both innate and adaptive immunity. Innate immune effector cells, including tissue-resident macrophages, circulating neutrophils, and antigen-presenting dendritic cells, function as primary initiators of inflammatory responses through the production and secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interferon-γ (INF-γ). Adaptive immune cells, particularly CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes and antibody-producing B lymphocytes, subsequently sustain and amplify chronic immune activation through antigen-specific recognition and memory responses. The coordinated release of cytokines, chemokines, and upregulation of cellular adhesion molecules orchestrates the recruitment, extravasation, and activation of effector immune cells within target tissues, ultimately resulting in persistent inflammatory injury and progressive tissue remodeling [ 3 , 4 , 24 , 25 ].
Nonetheless, the pathogenetic mechanisms involved in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases are multifactorial, involving genetic predisposition, epigenetic regulation, environmental factors, and immune dysregulation. This requires sophisticated therapeutic approaches that address multiple pathways precisely and simultaneously. Conventional therapies, including corticosteroids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and immunosuppressants such as methotrexate, azathioprine, and cyclophosphamide, remain widely used as first-line treatments [ 26 ]. However, these therapeutic modalities have significant limitations as broad-spectrum immunosuppressive agents. Major concerns include increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections and malignancies, while long-term corticosteroid administration leads to osteoporosis, diabetes, and cardiovascular complications. Additionally, inadequate therapeutic response rates and disease relapses following drug withdrawal highlight the need for more targeted therapies with improved efficacy and safety profiles [ 27 , 28 ].
In response to these limitations, cytokines implicated in inflammatory processes, including interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6, IL-12, IL-17, IL-18, IL-23, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), are increasingly recognized as specific therapeutic targets in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and psoriatic arthritis [ 29 , 30 ]. Contemporary treatment strategies have evolved from conventional broad-spectrum immunomodulatory agents, including glucocorticoids, methotrexate, and statins, towards precision medicine approaches. The emergence of biologics, particularly anti-cytokine monoclonal antibodies, and small-molecule inhibitors such as Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) modulators, enables more precise modulation of inflammatory cascades. These targeted therapeutic interventions represent a paradigm shift toward personalized, mechanism-based therapeutic interventions that offer improved therapeutic outcomes while minimizing systemic immunosuppressive effects [ 31 , 32 , 33 ].
3. Biologics for Autoimmune and Inflammatory Diseases
Biologic agents or biologics, broadly defined as pharmacologically active proteins derived from living systems or produced through recombinant technology, have fundamentally transformed the therapeutic landscape of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. The advent of recombinant DNA technology has enabled large-scale synthesis of these complex molecules, ensuring both target specificity and enhanced safety profiles compared to conventional immunosuppressive agents. Contemporary advances in biotechnology have facilitated the development of “designer biologics” that selectively target discrete molecular pathways implicated in disease pathogenesis, exemplified by novel therapies for diseases that selectively inhibit pathogenic cytokines or receptor-ligand interactions [ 34 , 35 ].
Based on their structural characteristics and mechanisms of action, biologics employed in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases can be categorized into three main classes: Monoclonal antibodies (mAb): These engineered immunoglobulin G (IgG) molecules demonstrate exquisite specificity for target antigens, including cell surface markers, soluble mediators, and cytokine receptors. The nomenclature reflects their degree of humanization: chimeric antibodies contain human constant regions (Fc) fused to murine variable regions (Fab), while humanized antibodies retain only minimal murine sequences within the complementarity-determining regions of the antigen-binding sites, thereby reducing immunogenicity [ 35 ]. Fusion proteins (-cept): These engineered molecules combine functional domains from distinct proteins to create novel therapeutic entities. One approach involves fusing human proteins to cytotoxic moieties, enabling antibody-mediated cellular internalization and subsequent intracellular cytotoxicity. Alternatively, soluble receptor constructs incorporate human receptor extracellular domains fused to immunoglobulin Fc fragments, effectively functioning as cytokine traps that sequester and neutralize soluble ligands, thereby preventing ligand-receptor interactions [ 36 , 37 ]. Recombinant human proteins (-rh): These agents represent either full-length human proteins or biologically active fragments produced in prokaryotic or eukaryotic expression systems, including bacterial, yeast, or mammalian cell cultures. These therapeutics typically function as receptor agonists, antagonists, or enzyme replacement therapies.
Currently, the majority of biologics require parenteral administration through subcutaneous, intramuscular, or intravenous routes due to their protein nature and susceptibility to gastrointestinal degradation. However, innovative drug delivery technologies, including oral formulations with protective carriers and topical preparations for localized disorders, are under active investigation to improve patient convenience and treatment adherence [ 38 , 39 ].
Therapeutic strategies employing biologics in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases are designed to interfere with key immunopathogenic mechanisms through multiple complementary approaches [ 10 , 40 ]: T-cell activation inhibition: Targeting co-stimulatory pathways (CD28-B7, CD40-CD40L) or cytokine signaling cascades (IL-2 receptor blockade) to prevent T-cell priming and expansion. T-cell depletion: Eliminating activated T lymphocytes through direct cytotoxicity, apoptosis induction, or antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) mechanisms. Leukocyte trafficking inhibition: Preventing T-lymphocyte extravasation and tissue infiltration by targeting adhesion molecules (selectins, ICAM-1) or integrins (α4β7, α4β1) essential for endothelial transmigration. Cytokine inhibition/neutralization: Inhibiting or neutralizing pro-inflammatory mediators through specific antagonists, including anti-TNF-α, anti-IL-1, anti-IL-6, anti-IL-17, anti-IL-12/23 antibodies, and cytokine trap technologies. Anti-inflammatory modulation: Administering recombinant anti-inflammatory cytokines, receptor antagonists, or agents that promote immunodeviation from Th1/Th17 toward Th2/Treg phenotypes. B-cell targeted therapies: Implementing B-cell depletion strategies or inhibiting B-cell survival factors to reduce autoantibody production and antigen presentation capacity. Allergic response modulation: Employing anti-IgE therapy to interrupt type I hypersensitivity reactions and mast cell degranulation in allergic inflammatory conditions.
These therapeutic strategies selectively modulate inflammatory cascades while maintaining critical immune functions.
4. Biologics Structure and Their International Nonproprietary Names (INNs)
In 1953, the World Health Organization (WHO) established the International Nonproprietary Names (INNs) system to provide a standardized, globally recognized nomenclature for pharmaceutical substances, including biologics. This systematic nomenclature incorporates specific stems and substems that convey critical information about the molecular structure, immunological origin, and therapeutic target of each biologic agent, ensuring consistency and clarity in both scientific and clinical contexts [ 41 , 42 ] ( Figure 1 ).
4.1. Biologics Classification and Nomenclature
Biologic therapeutics used for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases are structurally categorized into four major classes: monoclonal antibodies, fusion proteins, recombinant proteins, and engineered antibody fragments.
4.1.1. Monoclonal Antibodies
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) represent the largest class of biologics, typically consisting of immunoglobulin G (IgG) molecules with two heavy and two light chains that form a Y-shaped tetrameric structure. The fragment antigen-binding (Fab) regions contain variable domains that determine target specificity, whereas the fragment crystallizable (Fc) region mediates effector functions, including complement activation, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), and prolonged serum half-life through neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) binding.
The International Nonproprietary Name (INN) nomenclature incorporates a suffix system indicating antibody origin and humanization degree: (a) -omab (murine monoclonal antibodies): contains 100% murine sequences. These exhibit high immunogenicity, frequently eliciting human anti-mouse antibodies (HAMA), limiting therapeutic utility. (b) -ximab (chimeric monoclonal antibodies): comprise approximately 65–75% human and 25–35% murine sequences, with human constant domains and murine variable regions. Chimeric antibodies demonstrate reduced immunogenicity but may elicit human anti-chimeric antibodies (HACA). (c) –zumab (humanized monoclonal antibodies): incorporate 90–95% human sequences with only complementarity-determining regions (CDRs) or minimal murine framework sequences retained. These are generated through CDR grafting techniques, which significantly reduce immunogenicity. (d) –umab (fully human monoclonal antibodies): contain entirely human-derived sequences generated through transgenic mouse technology, phage display libraries, or human hybridoma technology with minimized immunogenicity [ 43 , 44 ].
The INN nomenclature follows the pattern [prefix] + [target infix] + [source infix] + [stem (-mab)]. The target infix indicates the pharmacological target class, for example, -li- (immune system), -ki- (interleukin-related), -ne- (nervous system), and -tu- (tumor). The source inflix indicates the antibody’s origin, for example, -o- (murine), -xi- (chimeric), -zu- (humanized), -u- (fully human). The stem “-mab” denotes monoclonal antibody [ 45 ].
4.1.2. Fusion Proteins
Fusion proteins are bioengineered molecules that combine functional domains from distinct proteins and are designated with the stem -cept. These typically consist of (a) receptor-Ig fusion constructs: extracellular receptor domain fused to IgG1 Fc regions, forming soluble decoys that sequester target ligands. For instance, etanercept fuses TNFR2 extracellular domains with IgG1 Fc, functioning as a TNF-α/β trap; (b) co-stimulatory molecule-Ig constructs: abatacept fuses the CTLA-4 extracellular domain with modified IgG1 Fc, binding CD80/CD86 on antigen-presenting cells to block CD28-mediated T-cell co-stimulation; and (c) immunoadhesion constructs: alefacept fused LFA-3 with IgG1 Fc, binding CD2 on T lymphocytes to inhibit their activation and induce selective apoptosis [ 46 , 47 , 48 ].
4.1.3. Recombinant Proteins
Recombinant proteins are naturally occurring human proteins produced using recombinant DNA technology and function as cytokine receptor antagonists or immunomodulatory mediators. For example, anakinra is a recombinant non-glycosylated human IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) consisting of 153 amino acids with an N-terminal methionine from Escherichia coli expression [ 49 , 50 ].
4.1.4. Engineered Antibody Fragments
Engineered antibody fragments are modified portions of antibodies that retain the antigen-binding region (Fab) but lack part or all of the Fc region. These fragments can be Fab (fragment antigen-binding), scFv (single-chain variable fragment), or F(ab’) 2 , nanobodies, or other engineered constructs. Certolizumab pegol (CZP) is a PEGylated (conjugated with polyethylene glycol) Fab’ fragment of a humanized monoclonal antibody. The lack of an Fc domain eliminates complement-dependent cytotoxicity [ 51 , 52 ].
5. Biologics in the Management of Autoimmune and Inflammatory Diseases
5.1. Biologics Targeting T-Cell Activation (Co-Stimulatory Blockade or IL-2 Signaling Inhibition)
T-cell activation requires not only antigen recognition through the T-cell receptor but also a second co-stimulatory signal mediated by CD28 binding to CD80/CD86 on antigen-presenting cells. This co-stimulatory pathway is central to immune tolerance, immune response initiation, and the pathogenesis of autoimmune inflammation. Persistent or aberrant T-cell activation sustains chronic inflammatory diseases such as RA, psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and skin psoriasis, making blockade of the CD28-CD80/86 axis an attractive therapeutic strategy [ 53 , 54 ] ( Figure 2 ) ( Table 1 and Table 2 ).
5.1.1. Abatacept (ABA)
Abatacept is a fully recombinant human fusion protein composed of the extracellular domain of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4/CD152) linked to the Fc portion of human IgG1. Modulation of the CD28/CD80/CTLA-4 pathway can downregulate T-cell activation and subsequent inflammatory responses. This mechanism is therapeutically exploited in the treatment of autoimmune diseases characterized by T-cell-mediated inflammation [ 55 ]. By competitively binding CD80/CD86, abatacept prevents CD28-mediated T-cell co-stimulation, thereby attenuating downstream T-cell activation, cytokine release, and tissue-damaging inflammation [ 56 ].
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted initial approval for abatacept on 23 December 2005, under the trade name Orencia (Bristol-Myers Squibb, New York, NY, USA), for adults with moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients refractory to disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), such as methotrexate or TNF inhibitors. Evidence also suggests its utility in rarer inflammatory conditions such as Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM), which is a rare inflammatory myopathy affecting skin and proximal muscles. Abateacept combined with sodium thiosulfate has been successfully used in refractory JDM, leading to the reduction in ulcerated muscle and skin inflammation and attenuation of calcinosis progression [ 57 ]. Beyond autoimmune diseases, co-stimulation blockade may influence cardiovascular inflammation. Anti-TNFα and anti-IL-6R monoclonal antibodies have shown cardioprotective effects, and anti-IL-1β therapy significantly reduced major cardiovascular events in coronary artery disease [ 58 ]. Similarly, preclinical studies demonstrated that abatacept reduced myocardial injury by inhibiting MAPK activation and enhancing Nrf2/HO-1 signaling, thereby improving ventricular function in rat models of myocardial infarction [ 59 ]. In atherosclerosis, abatacept-mediated CD28-CD80/86 blockade has been shown to reduce inflammatory activation and cardiovascular risk [ 60 ].
Abatacept has also been evaluated in allergic and myopathic conditions. In a murine model of allergic rhinitis, abatacept reduced IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IL-17A, and IFN-γ levels in nasal tissues, suppressing Th2-driven inflammation [ 61 ]. Clinical and preclinical data further support its benefit in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) such as polymyositis, dermatomyositis, and inclusion body myositis [ 62 ]. In murine models of cardiac diseases, abatacept enhanced the production of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and reduced T cell and macrophage infiltration into cardiac tissue, thereby limiting myocardial damage and improving functional outcomes [ 63 ].
Interestingly, abatacept also modulates regulatory T-cell (Treg) activity. Nakachi et al. (2017) demonstrated that treatment enhanced the proportion of LAG3 + Tregs, which are enriched in IL-10-producing subsets, thereby contributing to immunoregulation [ 64 ]. Furthermore, abatacept suppresses autoantibody-driven cytokine production. In monocytes exposed to anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) and rheumatoid factor (RF), abatacept inhibited the upregulation of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and CCL2 by inducing indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), enhancing its anti-inflammatory effects in seropositive autoimmune disease [ 65 ]. The drug’s immunomodulatory activity extends to skeletal and joint health. While CTLA-4Ig favors bone formation under physiological conditions, excessive immunosuppression may impair bone regeneration in pathological states [ 66 ]. Combination regimens have been tested to optimize efficacy: abatacept with dexamethasone, and particularly with dexamethasone plus methotrexate, showed superior suppression of macrophage cytokine production compared with monotherapies [ 67 ].
Although generally well-tolerated, rare adverse effects have been reported. Almogairen (2019) described abatacept-induced granulomatous allergic hepatitis with sarcoid-like granulomatous pathology in murine models, highlighting the importance of intensive monitoring [ 68 ]. Collectively, abatacept illustrates the clinical relevance of co-stimulation blockade in autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. By targeting a central immunological checkpoint, it not only improves outcomes in RA, PsA, and JIA but also shows promise in cardiovascular disease, allergic disorders, and inflammatory myopathies.
5.1.2. Basiliximab (BAS)
Activation and clonal expansion of T cells are critically dependent on IL-2 signaling. The IL-2 receptor consists of three subunits: the α-chain (CD25, p55), β-chain (CD122, p75), and the common γ-chain (CD132). CD25 is transiently upregulated following T-cell activation, making it a selective target for immunomodulation. Basiliximab is a chimeric murine-human IgG1κ monoclonal antibody directed against the IL-2 receptor α-chain (CD25; IL-2Rα). By binding CD25, it prevents IL-2 from interacting with its receptor, thereby inhibiting downstream signaling required for the proliferation of activated T cells [ 69 , 70 ]. Clinically, basiliximab is primarily employed to prevent acute rejection in organ transplantation, particularly kidney transplants [ 71 ]. By selectively blocking the IL-2 pathway, it reduces pathogenic T-cell activation while preserving resting lymphocytes, thereby minimizing broad immunosuppression. Basiliximab is marketed under the trade name Simulect ® . It was developed by Novartis Pharmaceuticals and remains an important component of induction therapy in transplantation medicine [ 72 ].
5.1.3. Daclizumab (DAC)
Daclizumab is a humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody that targets the IL-2 receptor α-chain (CD25), thereby preventing IL-2-mediated T-cell activation and increasing IL-2 bioavailability, promoting expansion of CD56 bright natural killer (NK) cells [ 73 ]. Initially approved by the U.S. FDA for preventing acute rejection in renal transplantation, Daclizumab (previously marketed as Zenapax ® ) was later explored for its immunomodulatory potential in autoimmune conditions, including psoriasis. In a phase II clinical trial for psoriasis, daclizumab was administered at an initial dose of 2 mg/kg followed by 1 mg/kg biweekly infusions. However, its antipsoriatic efficacy was limited, showing benefit only in a subset of patients with active pustular psoriasis [ 74 ]. Beyond T-cell suppression, daclizumab exhibited secondary immunomodulatory effects, including the expansion of natural killer (NK) cells, which may contribute to its therapeutic profile. Despite its potential, daclizumab was withdrawn from the market in 2018 due to significant safety concerns. Reports of severe adverse effects, including life-threatening inflammatory brain disorders (e.g., encephalitis and meningoencephalitis), hepatotoxicity, and immune-mediated reactions such as lymphadenopathy, prompted its discontinuation [ 75 ].
5.2. Biologics Targeting Activated T-Cell Depletion
Biologics that deplete activated T cells employ mechanisms such as direct cytotoxicity, apoptosis induction, or antibody-dependent cellular toxicity (ADCC) and complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC). These agents target specific surface markers on T cells to reduce their numbers, thereby attenuating pathogenic immune responses. This approach is particularly relevant in autoimmune conditions like psoriasis, where T-cell-mediated inflammation drives disease pathology [ 76 , 77 ]. The biologics discussed below, alefacept and siplizumab, exemplify strategies to modulate or eliminate activated T cells, with distinct mechanisms and clinical outcomes. Alefacept and siplizumab both target the CD2/LFA-3 axis to modulate T-cell activity, with alefacept primarily inducing depletion via ADCC and siplizumab combining depletion with co-stimulatory blockade [ 78 , 79 ]. Both were developed for psoriasis, addressing the central role of T cells in its pathogenesis ( Figure 2 ) ( Table 1 and Table 2 ).
5.2.1. Alefacept (ALE)
Alefacept is a fusion protein comprising the extracellular domain of lymphocyte function-associated antigen-3 (LFA-3) linked to the Fc portion of human IgG1. It primarily targets CD2-expressing memory effector T cells, which are upregulated in autoimmune inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis. By competitively binding to CD2, alefacept inhibits the LFA-3/CD2 interaction, thereby suppressing T-cell activation and proliferation. Additionally, the Fc portion of alefacept interacts with FcγRIII on NK cells, triggering antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and selective depletion of pathogenic T cells [ 80 , 81 ].
Alefacept was the first biologic approved for moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis in adults, receiving FDA approval in February 2003 under the trade name Amevive ® by Astellas Pharma (formerly developed by Biogen Idec, Cambridge, MA, USA) [ 82 ]. Psoriasis is a T-cell-mediated autoimmune disorder characterized by keratinocyte hyperproliferation, epidermal hyperplasia, angiogenesis, and infiltration of CD4 + and CD8 + T cells producing inflammatory mediators such as IL-2, IL-8, and TNF-α. Alefacept therapy reduces activation of dermal CD4 + and epidermal CD8 + T cells, normalizes keratinocyte proliferation, and mitigates cutaneous inflammation [ 83 , 84 ]. Compared with other biologics used for psoriasis, alefacept exhibits a slower onset of action. Time to clinical improvement is approximately 15.4 weeks for high-dose alefacept, compared with 3.5–6.6 weeks for infliximab, adalimumab, etanercept, and ustekinumab [ 85 ]. Declining clinical use and market demand led to its discontinuation in 2011.
5.2.2. Siplizumab (SIP)
Siplizumab is a humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody directed against CD2, a surface glycoprotein expressed on T cells and natural killer (NK) cells. By targeting CD2, siplizumab disrupts the CD2-LFA-3 co-stimulatory pathway, thereby reducing T-cell activation and selectively depleting pathogenic T-cell populations. In clinical studies, subcutaneous or intravenous administration of Siplizumab at doses ranging from 0.04 mg/kg to 7 mg resulted in approximately a 50% reduction in peripheral memory and naïve T-cell counts in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis. An open-label, dose-escalation study over eight weeks demonstrated a 75% reduction in mean Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) in 50% of treated patients, with mild adverse effects including lymphopenia, chills, and headache [ 86 , 87 ]. Despite promising immunomodulatory activity, clinical development of siplizumab was discontinued in 2003 due to safety concerns related to immunosuppression and insufficient efficacy for regulatory approval.
5.3. Biologics Targeting T-Cell Adhesion and Extravasation (Integrin/Adhesion Molecule Blockade)
Biologics that inhibit T-cell adhesion and extravasation target integrins and adhesion molecules to prevent T-cell migration into inflamed tissues. By disrupting key interactions between T cells and endothelial or antigen-presenting cells (APCs), these agents mitigate immune-driven inflammation, particularly in autoimmune conditions like psoriasis [ 88 , 89 ] ( Figure 3 ) ( Table 1 and Table 2 ).
5.3.1. Efalizumab (EFA)
Efalizumab is a humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody directed against the alpha-1 subunit (CD11a) of leukocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) on T cells. LFA-1 interacts with intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expressed on antigen-presenting cells (APCs), vascular endothelial cells, and keratinocytes. This interaction provides both a co-stimulatory signal for T-cell activation and a critical adhesion mechanism for T-cell migration into inflamed tissues. By binding to CD11a, efalizumab disrupts the LFA-1/ICAM-1 interaction, thereby inhibiting T-cell activation, adhesion, and extravasation into target tissues such as psoriatic skin [ 90 ].
Efalizumab received FDA approval in 2003 for subcutaneous treatment of moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis. While it effectively reduced T-cell-mediated cutaneous inflammation, early administration was occasionally associated with transient flu-like symptoms, including fever, myalgia, and malaise. However, long-term safety concerns emerged, particularly the increased risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare but serious demyelinating brain infection caused by JC virus reactivation. Due to these significant safety concerns, efalizumab was voluntarily withdrawn from the U.S. market in 2009 [ 91 ]. Thus, efalizumab’s mechanism of therapeutic potential targeting T-cell adhesion molecules to control autoimmune inflammation by blocking LFA-1/ICAM-1 interactions effectively reduced T-cell-driven pathology in psoriasis. The withdrawal of efalizumab prompted a shift toward alternative biologics with improved safety profiles for psoriasis, such as those targeting IL-17 or IL-23 pathways [ 92 , 93 ].
5.3.2. Etrolizumab (ETR)
Etrolizumab (rhuMAb Beta 7) is a recombinant humanized IgG1κ monoclonal antibody that binds to the β7 subunit of the α4β7 and αEβ7 integrin heterodimers. It represents a next-generation antiadhesion molecule developed as a gut-targeted therapy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), principally ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD) [ 94 , 95 ]. Etrolizumab is the first investigational dual anti-integrin biologic, designed to target two critical pathways of intestinal inflammation by selectively inhibiting α4β7 and αEβ7. This dual inhibition regulates the trafficking of immune cells into the gut as well as their retention and pro-inflammatory activity within the intestinal mucosa. α4β7 is a key mediator of leucocyte homing to the gastrointestinal tract via interactions with mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule-1 (MAdCAM-1) expressed on high endothelial venules in the gut mucosa [ 96 , 97 , 98 ]. α4β7 is expressed on monocytes, lymphocytes, eosinophils, basophils, progenitor mast cells, macrophages, and follicular dendritic cells, but is absent on neutrophils. In contrast, the αEβ7 integrin selectively binds to E-cadherin, mediating adhesion of intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) to intestinal epithelial cells [ 99 ]. Notably, >90% of IELs and approximately 50% of T cells in the lamina propria express αEβ7 integrin, underscoring its distinctive role in mucosal immunity.
By targeting the common β7 subunit, etrolizumab simultaneously blocks two complementary pathways: (i) inhibition of α4β7:MAdCAM-1 interactions reduces the recruitment of gut-homing T lymphocytes from the circulation into intestinal tissues, and (ii) inhibition of αEβ7:E-cadherin interactions diminishes the retention of lymphocytes within the epithelial compartment. Through this dual mechanism, impairing both trafficking and retention, etrolizumab is characterized as a gut-selective, dual-action anti-β7 therapy [ 98 ]. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase I trial, etrolizumab demonstrated acceptable safety, tolerability, and pharmacodynamic activity in patients with moderate-to-severe UC [ 100 ]. The subsequent Phase II EUCALYPTUS study reported clinical benefit over placebo in moderate-to-severe UC [ 101 ].
The Phase III clinical development program was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of etrolizumab in patients with moderate-to-severe active UC or Crohn’s disease refractory or intolerant to corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and/or anti-TNFs. This program comprised six multicenter, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and two open-label extension (OLE) studies. The HIBISCUS I and II trials, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo- and active-controlled studies, assessed induction of remission in moderate-to-severe UC. Etrolizumab demonstrated superiority to placebo in HIBISCUS I and was generally well tolerated [ 102 ]. The pivotal Phase III BERGAMOT trial in Crohn’s disease was initiated but later discontinued. In early 2022, Roche/Genentech announced termination of the CD program after mixed efficacy results, although certain induction endpoints were met, maintenance outcomes were inconsistent, and etrolizumab did not demonstrate superiority over established anti-TNF therapies [ 102 , 103 ]. Overall, while etrolizumab showed promise in select populations, the lack of consistent long-term efficacy led to discontinuation of its late-stage development program.
5.3.3. Natalizumab (NAT)
Natalizumab is a humanized IgG4κ monoclonal antibody that selectively targets the α4 subunit of integrins on leukocytes, thereby inhibiting interactions of both α4β1 and α4β7 integrins. Through this mechanism, natalizumab prevents leukocyte adhesion and trans-endothelial migration of activated lymphocytes into target tissues such as the central nervous system (CNS) and gastrointestinal tract, thereby reducing tissue inflammation and lesion development [ 104 ]. It is the first α4 integrin antagonist and was approved by the U.S. FDA under the trade name TYSABRI ® (Biogen, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA) for relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) and, subsequently, for certain cases of Crohn’s disease (CD). Although highly efficacious in relapsing MS, natalizumab carries a risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare opportunistic demyelinating encephalopathy caused by reactivation of the John Cunningham (JC) virus. This necessitates rigorous risk stratification and mandatory enrollment in the TOUCH safety program [ 105 ].
The pivotal AFFIRM Phase III monotherapy trial, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in relapsing MS, demonstrated a ~68% reduction in the annualized relapse rate at one year, with significant decreases in new MRI lesion accrual and risk of disability progression over two years [ 104 ]. The SENTINEL Phase III trial, in which natalizumab was administered in combination with interferon β-1a, showed additional reductions in relapse rate and some benefit on disability progression; however, the occurrence of two early PML cases in the combination arm contributed to major safety concerns, resulting in temporary market withdrawal in 2005. The drug was subsequently reintroduced in 2006 under the restricted TOUCH program [ 106 ]. Natalizumab received FDA approval in 2004 and EMA approval in 2006 for relapsing MS.
In Crohn’s disease, natalizumab was evaluated in the ENACT-1 (induction), ENACT-2 (maintenance), and ENCORE (confirmatory subgroup) Phase II/III trials. These trials demonstrated statistically significant induction and maintenance of clinical response and remission in selected patient subgroups, with modest overall absolute remission rates. Clinical benefit was particularly notable in patients with concomitant immunosuppressant therapy. Importantly, natalizumab induced and maintained responses in patients who were refractory to anti-TNF therapy. Nevertheless, systemic α4 blockade and the associated PML risk limited its widespread adoption in CD, and gut-selective anti-integrins were subsequently favored [ 107 ]. Natalizumab received FDA approval for moderate-to-severe CD in 2008, but EMA declined approval due to safety concerns. In August 2023, the U.S. FDA approved Tyruko ® (natalizumab-sztn), developed by Sandoz Inc. (Basel, Switzerland), as the first biosimilar to Tysabri for the treatment of adults with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis [ 108 ].
5.3.4. Vedolizumab (VDZ)
Vedolizumab (MLN0002) is a humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody that selectively targets the α4β7 integrin, thereby inhibiting its interaction with MAdCAM-1 (mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule-1) expressed on gut endothelial venules. This blockade prevents the adhesion and extravasation of α4β7-expressing gut-homing T lymphocytes into intestinal tissue, thereby reducing intestinal inflammation [ 109 ]. Unlike natalizumab, vedolizumab exhibits high specificity for α4β7 and does not bind to, nor inhibit the function of, α4β1 or αEβ7 integrins. Consequently, it selectively interferes with T-cell adhesion to MAdCAM-1 without affecting vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) interactions. Vedolizumab has been approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD) and is marketed as Entyvio ® (Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, MA, USA) for both intravenous infusion and subcutaneous administration [ 110 ]. Because vedolizumab selectively blocks α4β7 and not α4β1, it does not broadly impair CNS immune surveillance. Consistently, no causal association with PML, a risk predominantly linked to α4β1 blockade, has been established in randomized clinical trials or post-marketing surveillance of vedolizumab [ 109 ].
The pivotal Phase II/III GEMINI clinical development program provided the primary evidence for regulatory approval. In UC, the Phase III GEMINI 1 randomized, placebo-controlled induction and maintenance trials demonstrated that vedolizumab was significantly superior to placebo in inducing clinical response and remission, as well as in maintaining remission through Week 52 in moderate-to-severe UC patients [ 110 ]. In CD, the Phase III GEMINI 2 trials demonstrated that vedolizumab achieved higher rates of clinical remission at Week 52 compared with placebo. However, the induction benefit at Week 6 was more modest overall, with stronger signals observed in specific subgroups, such as TNF-naïve patients [ 111 ]. Thus, GEMINI 2 confirmed vedolizumab’s efficacy for maintenance therapy in CD, though its induction effect appeared less pronounced and often delayed relative to UC.
In patients with refractory CD and prior anti-TNF therapy failure, the GEMINI 3 trial—a Phase III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled induction study—did not achieve its primary endpoint of clinical remission at Week 6 in the overall refractory population. Nevertheless, clinical benefit became apparent at later time points, suggesting that vedolizumab’s therapeutic effect in CD may emerge more gradually, particularly in TNF-experienced patients [ 112 ]. These findings support current clinical guidance that continuation of therapy beyond the early induction phase may be warranted before declaring treatment failure in certain CD populations.
5.4. Biologics Targeting Proinflammatory Cytokines and Mediators
A pivotal mechanism in immune-mediated inflammatory disorders involves the overproduction of cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, IL-17, IL-12/23, and IL-22. Several biologics have been developed to neutralize these mediators and attenuate pathological immune responses. Among them, TNF-α inhibitors represent the earliest and most extensively studied class [ 113 , 114 ] ( Table 1 and Table 2 ).
5.4.1. Anti-TNF Agents as Biologics
TNF-α promotes nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation, leading to the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, and IL-8) and upregulation of adhesion molecules on endothelial cells, which contributes to leukocyte migration and tissue inflammation [ 115 , 116 ]. Therapies targeting tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) represent a proven approach for managing autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, notably rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Clinically available options include full IgG1 monoclonal antibodies such as infliximab, adalimumab, and golimumab; the PEGylated Fab’ fragment certolizumab pegol; and the TNF receptor 2 (TNFR2) extracellular domain fused to IgG1-Fc, known as etanercept [ 117 ] ( Figure 4 ).
Adalimumab (ADA)
Adalimumab, a fully humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody, targets TNF-α, a key cytokine in systemic inflammation [ 118 ]. By binding TNF-α, it prevents interaction with TNF receptors, thereby reducing inflammatory responses in autoimmune diseases. Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in December 2002 as Humira ® , adalimumab has a half-life of 10–20 days and is indicated for moderate-to-severe RA, psoriatic arthritis (PsA), plaque psoriasis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, ankylosing spondylitis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). It downregulates proinflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, IL-8, and GM-CSF, alleviating symptoms such as joint swelling in RA, gut inflammation in IBD, and skin lesions in psoriasis [ 119 , 120 , 121 ]. In psoriasis, affecting 1–3% of the global population, with plaque psoriasis comprising 70–80% of cases, adalimumab significantly reduces disease severity [ 122 ]. Long-term treatment (1 year) improved Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI) scores, enhancing quality of life. In IBD, adalimumab induces and maintains remission in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis [ 123 ]. A notable case involved successful treatment of Crohn’s disease triggered post-chemotherapy for pelvic paraganglioma [ 124 ].
Adalimumab’s versatility extends to rare conditions. In polyarteritis nodosa (PAN), a vasculitis causing necrotizing inflammation of medium and small arteries, adalimumab mitigated symptoms in hepatitis B-negative PAN patients [ 125 ]. For birdshot chorioretinopathy, a rare ocular autoimmune disorder, biweekly 40 mg subcutaneous injections improved visual acuity [ 126 ]. In sporadic Blau syndrome, caused by NOD2 gene mutations and characterized by granulomatous arthritis, uveitis, and skin lesions, adalimumab resolved treatment-resistant cutaneous manifestations [ 127 ]. Similarly, in neurosarcoidosis, adalimumab reduced granulomatous inflammation affecting the nervous system [ 128 ]. In Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) syndrome, a multisystem autoimmune disorder involving the eyes, skin, ears, and central nervous system, adalimumab effectively controlled inflammation without corticosteroids [ 129 ]. For adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD), a systemic inflammatory disorder with fever, arthritis, and rashes, adalimumab served as an effective alternative therapy [ 130 ]. In Rasmussen’s encephalitis (RE), a rare chronic inflammatory brain disorder causing epilepsy and neurologic deficits, adalimumab reduced seizure frequency without neurocognitive decline.
Adalimumab also shows promise in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a chronic inflammatory skin condition with painful nodules and sinus tracts. Treatment for 12 weeks increased anti-inflammatory macrophages (CD206 + ), though plasma IL-6 and hsCRP levels increased, with improvements in DLQI scores [ 131 ]. In actinic granuloma and multicentric reticulohistiocytosis (MRH), a rare non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis, adalimumab resolved granulomatous inflammation, often in combination with methotrexate and prednisolone [ 132 ]. In Takayasu arteritis (TAK), adalimumab controlled refractory scleritis, a rare ocular manifestation of this large-vessel granulomatous vasculitis affecting the aorta, its major branches, and the pulmonary arteries [ 133 ]. Safety concerns include rare instances of acute autoimmune leukoencephalopathy. In major depressive disorder (MDD) with elevated inflammatory biomarkers, adalimumab, adjunctive to sertraline, improved Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) scores and reduced inflammation [ 134 ]. In proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), adalimumab did not induce inflammatory or fibrogenic gene expression in retinal pigment epithelial cells, suggesting safety in ocular applications [ 135 ]. While adalimumab is generally well tolerated, rare adverse events include autoimmune demyelinating disorders, such as acute leukoencephalopathy. The availability of adalimumab biosimilars, such as ZRC-3197 developed by Cadila Healthcare (Zydus Cadila, India), which are structurally and functionally highly similar to adalimumab and demonstrate comparable clinical outcomes, expands global access to this therapy [ 136 ].
Certolizumab Pegol (CZP)
Certolizumab pegol is a PEGylated Fab’ fragment of a humanized anti-TNF-α monoclonal antibody [ 137 ]. Unlike adalimumab and infliximab, it lacks the IgG1 Fc region, thereby avoiding Fc-mediated functions such as antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC). The conjugation of polyethylene glycol (PEG) extends its plasma half-life and improves pharmacokinetics. Certolizumab pegol has demonstrated efficacy in Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis [ 138 , 139 , 140 ]. In certolizumab pegol, the absence of an Fc region minimizes the potential for Fc-mediated immune activation while preserving potent anti-inflammatory activity.
Etanercept (ETN)
Etanercept is a recombinant soluble TNF-α receptor fusion protein composed of two extracellular domains of the TNF receptor fused to the Fc portion of a human IgG antibody. It has been approved by the US FDA and EMA for the treatment of RA, psoriatic arthritis, plaque psoriasis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis [ 141 ]. In 2002 and 2004, the FDA extended its approval to include psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis, respectively. Etanercept acts by binding circulating TNF-α, thereby preventing its interactions with cell surface TNF receptors. This reduces the circulating TNF and mitigates the TNF-mediated inflammation in diseases such as RA and psoriasis. The recommended dose is 25 mg administered subcutaneously twice weekly [ 142 ].
In a double-blind, dose-escalation study of psoriasis patients, Leonardi et al. (2003) [ 143 ] reported that 44% of patients treated with 50 mg etanercept twice a week showed at least a 75% improvement in the PASI. Since moderate-to-severe psoriasis is associated with systemic inflammation, it constitutes an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease [ 143 ]. Anti-inflammatory treatments, including biologics, have been suggested to reduce cardiovascular risk factors and inflammatory markers. However, systemic therapies with adalimumab, infliximab, etanercept, efalizumab, or alefacept in combination with ultraviolet (UV) B phototherapy did not significantly affect overall cardiovascular risk [ 144 ].
In addition, a phase II clinical trial of etanercept (50 mg/week subcutaneously) in patients with moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) demonstrated minimal evidence of clinically significant efficacy at this dosage [ 145 ]. The adverse effects of etanercept are comparable to those of other TNF-α inhibitors and include increased susceptibility to infections and injection-site reactions [ 146 ]. Autoantibody formation has also been reported, including antinuclear and anti-dsDNA antibodies, with clinical manifestations such as drug-induced lupus, discoid lupus erythematosus, and necrotizing vasculitis related to cryoglobulinemia. Furthermore, cases of candidal septicemia and bilateral chlorioretinitis have been described in HS patients receiving etanercept and corticosteroids in the presence of indwelling intravenous catheters [ 147 , 148 ].
Golimumab (GOL)
Golimumab is a fully human IgG1κ monoclonal antibody that selectively targets TNF-α. It binds with high affinity and specificity to both soluble and transmembrane forms of TNF-α, neutralizing their bioactivity by preventing interaction with TNF-α receptors. This blockade inhibits downstream inflammatory signaling pathways, thereby reducing immune-mediated tissue damage [ 140 ]. Golimumab is commercially available under the brand name Simponi ® and is manufactured by Janssen Biotech Inc. (Horsham, PA, USA). It has received regulatory approval for the treatment of several autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and ulcerative colitis [ 149 ].
Infliximab (IFX)
Infliximab is a chimeric mouse-human IgG1 monoclonal antibody that specifically targets TNF-α, a key pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in the pathogenesis of multiple autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. Infliximab is approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Crohn’s disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and psoriatic arthritis. It is also effective in managing extraintestinal manifestations of IBD, including IBD-associated arthropathy, a subset of spondyloarthropathy (SpA) [ 150 ]. Tenascin-C (TNC), an extracellular matrix glycoprotein expressed in response to inflammation and tissue damage, participates in IBD and Crohn’s disease and is associated with response to infliximab therapy. Elevated serum and mucosal Tenascin-C (TNC) levels in UC and CD correlate with poor response to infliximab therapy, suggesting TNC as a potential biomarker [ 151 ]. In pediatric CD, infliximab therapy increases circulating adiponectin, an anti-inflammatory adipokine that regulates insulin sensitivity and mediates protective metabolic effects [ 152 ].
Infliximab infusions have improved clinical outcomes in Crohn’s disease and demonstrated efficacy in acute necrotizing pancreatitis by reducing serum markers of oxidative stress and inflammation, including sialic acid, malondialdehyde, carbonyl content, and amylase, while enhancing total antioxidant activity [ 153 ]. It has also been employed in refractory sarcoidosis [ 154 ] and contributes to ameliorating inflammatory eye disorders such as Behcet’s disease-related uveitis and peripheral ulcerative keratitis (PUK), improving both visual outcomes and reducing ocular inflammation [ 155 , 156 ]. In an ex vivo porcine model of retinal degeneration, infliximab attenuated Zaprinast-induced retinal degeneration, which arises from inhibition of cGMP-degrading phosphodiesterase 6 (PDE6), indicating infliximab’s neuroprotective potential [ 157 ].
In moderate-to-severe UC, combination therapy with infliximab and azathioprine induced higher rates of corticosteroid-free remission and mucosal healing at 16 weeks compared to monotherapy [ 158 ]. Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis), particularly the coronary arteries. In Kawasaki disease (KD) patients unresponsive to intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy, infliximab effectively reduced coronary artery lesions [ 159 ]. In another instance, corticosteroid-resistant ipilimumab-induced colitis in patients with unresectable or metastatic disease was managed with infliximab, which exerts its therapeutic effect by suppressing T-cell activation and inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1 and IL-6 [ 160 ]. However, rare adverse events, including interstitial pneumonitis, have been reported [ 161 ].
Infliximab exerts an anti-inflammatory effect not only by direct TNF-α neutralization but also via induction of host cell apoptosis [ 162 ]. Spray-dried formulations of infliximab offer potential for local administration via the respiratory tract to suppress lung inflammation by inhibiting lung-secreted TNF-α [ 163 ]. Clinical and genetic markers, such as ZNF133, a zinc finger protein, have been associated with differential patient response to infliximab in IBD, reflecting its immunomodulatory effects [ 164 ]. In RA, combination therapy with methotrexate and infliximab improves high-density lipoprotein (HDL) functionality, underscoring the contribution of TNF-α to cardiovascular risk modulation [ 165 ]. In an ex vivo study, Gertel et al. (2024) [ 166 ] investigated the effects of IFX and MTX on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and synovial fluid mononuclear cells (SFMCs) from patients with inflammatory arthritis. Both agents effectively inhibited PBMC proliferation and IFN-γ production. However, only infliximab reduced synovial monocytes and suppressed pro-inflammatory gene expression in SFMCs [ 166 ]. The first infliximab biosimilar, CT-P13 (Remsima ® , Inflectra ® ), exhibits comparable structural, physicochemical, and biological characteristics to the originator, providing a cost-effective alternative for RA and IBD treatment [ 167 , 168 ]. SB2 (Renflexis ® , Flixabi ® in Europe), a second biosimilar developed by Samsung Bioepis Co., Ltd. (Incheon, Republic of Korea), was approved by the EMA in 2016 and the FDA in 2017 for RA treatment [ 169 ].
5.4.2. Anti-IL-1/IL-1 Pathway Targeted Biologics
Interleukin-1 (IL-1), comprising IL-1α and IL-1β, is a key pro-inflammatory cytokine that orchestrates innate and adaptive immune responses [ 170 ]. Dysregulated IL-1 signaling contributes to the initiation and amplification of inflammation by promoting leukocyte recruitment, upregulating adhesion molecules, and inducing downstream cytokines and chemokines. Excessive IL-1 activity has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, adult-onset Still’s disease, and cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes [ 171 , 172 ].
Biologic agents targeting the IL-1/IL-1 receptor axis have been developed to counteract this pathogenic signaling. These include recombinant receptor antagonists, monoclonal antibodies against IL-1 isoforms, and soluble decoy receptors, which collectively act to neutralize IL-1 activity or block receptor-mediated signaling. By specifically inhibiting IL-1-driven pathways, these biologics provide effective therapeutic strategies for controlling chronic inflammation and limiting immune-mediated tissue damage in diverse inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. Three pharmacologic inhibitors of IL-1 are commercially available: anakinra, canakinumab, and rilonacept [ 173 ] ( Figure 4 ) ( Table 1 and Table 2 ).
Anakinra (ANR)
Anakinra (Kineret ® , Swedish Orphan Biovitrum, Stockholm, Sweden) is a recombinant, nonglycosylated form of human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (rhIL-1ra). It mimics the endogenous IL-1Ra, competitively blocking IL-1α and IL-1β from binding to IL-1 receptors, thereby preventing recruitment of the IL-1 receptor accessory protein (IL-1RAcP) and subsequent inflammatory signaling. Through this mechanism, it functions as an anti-inflammatory cytokine analog of the naturally occurring IL-1Ra. Anakinra was the first anti-IL-1 biologic approved by the U.S. FDA (2001), followed by approval in the European Union and Canada, and is indicated for disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes [ 174 , 175 , 176 , 177 ].
IL-1 is central to the pathogenesis of RA, promoting synovial inflammation, pannus formation, cartilage destruction, and bone resorption in various animal models. Anakinra has demonstrated clinical efficacy in patients with moderate-to-severe RA unresponsive to conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy, significantly reducing oxidative stress and serum IL-6 levels [ 178 , 179 , 180 ]. In the European Union, anakinra is approved for use in combination with the DMARD methotrexate to alleviate the signs and symptoms of RA in patients with inadequate response to methotrexate monotherapy [ 181 ]. IL-1 also plays a pivotal role in systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA). Subcutaneous administration of anakinra (2–10 mg/kg/day) has demonstrated significant clinical benefits in affected children [ 182 ]. In a randomized clinical trial, RA patients treated with high-dose hr-ILRa (150 mg/day) showed reduced macrophages in the intimal and subintimal layers, along with decreased lymphocyte infiltration. Treatment also led to a 74% reduction in E-selectin expression on synovial vascular endothelium, and diminished VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 expression on infiltrating mononuclear cells in both layers [ 183 ].
IL-1 contributes significantly to cardiovascular disease (CVD) by promoting IL-6 production, vascular inflammation, and prothrombotic activity. On a systemic level, IL-1 stimulates the production of IL-6 and enhances pro-inflammatory and pro-coagulant events, resulting in a prothrombotic environment that further exacerbates adverse cardiovascular events. Histological studies by Dewberry et al. (2000) revealed the presence of IL-1β in human atherosclerotic plaques, indicating its significance in CVD [ 184 ]. Moreover, IL-1 is crucial in the initiation and progression of abdominal aorta aneurysms. The blockade of the IL-1 receptor type 1 (IL-1R1) using anakinra effectively attenuates aneurysm formation in mouse models [ 185 ]. Furthermore, anakinra has been observed to downregulate C-reactive protein (CRP) and IL-6 in patients following myocardial infarction. It has also demonstrated efficacy in improving microvascular dysfunction associated with ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, diabetes, and coronary artery disease (CAD). In a randomized clinical trial, the treatment with anakinra resulted in a 29% enhancement of coronary flow reserve (CFR) and an 18.7% improvement in global longitudinal strain after three months of therapy [ 186 ].
Beyond rheumatology and cardiology, anakinra has demonstrated therapeutic benefit across a broad spectrum of inflammatory conditions. In non-rheumatic secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (sHLH), subcutaneous administration of anakinra (6–10 mg/kg/day) combined with dexamethasone achieved clinical remission without significant adverse effects [ 187 ]. Dermatological and autoinflammatory manifestations, including isotretinoin-induced acne fulminans and synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis (SAPHO) syndrome, have shown rapid improvement with combination therapy involving anakinra, bisphosphonates, and corticosteroids [ 188 ]. In Majeed syndrome, a rare autosomal recessive disorder associated with LPIN2 gene mutations, which encodes the phosphatidic acid phosphatase enzyme, and characterized by chronic multifocal osteomyelitis and congenital dyserythropoietic anemia, anakinra (1.5 mg/kg/day) is considered an effective anti-inflammatory intervention [ 189 , 190 ].
Neuroinflammation has been implicated in the onset and recurrence of seizures by increasing neuronal excitability during status epilepticus (SE). SE is characterized by the failure of mechanisms that terminate seizures or the initiation of pathways that lead to abnormally prolonged seizures. This condition can potentially result in long-term consequences, including neuronal death, neuronal injury, and impaired neuronal network functions [ 191 ]. The use of anti-cytokine therapy shows promise in treating SE and drug-resistant epilepsies. Specifically, IL-1β signal blockade with Anakinra has demonstrated efficacy in reducing seizure recurrence and generalization in patients with inflammatory refractory epilepsy [ 192 ]. Moreover, anakinra serves as a potent anti-inflammatory agent to reduce mortality in COVID-19 patients exhibiting elevated inflammatory biomarkers, as it can lower levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), serum ferritin, and serum d-dimer levels [ 193 ].
Canakinumab (CAN)
Canakinumab (ACZ885, Ilaris; Novartis, Basel, Switzerland) is a fully humanized IgGκ monoclonal antibody (mAb) that selectively neutralizes IL-1β, while also targeting the N-terminal truncated isoform of IL-1α (NotIL-1α) [ 194 ]. By inhibiting IL-1β signaling, canakinumab modulates innate immune responses and exerts potent anti-inflammatory effects. In 2009, the US FDA and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) approved canakinumab as an orphan medicine for the treatment of multiple autoinflammatory conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS), Muckle-Wells syndrome (MWS), familial cold auto-inflammatory syndrome (FCAS), tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS), hyperimmunoglobulin D syndrome (HIDS)/mevalonate kinase deficiency (MKD), familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), and systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) [ 195 ]. CAPS represents a spectrum of rare inherited autoinflammatory diseases resulting from NLRP3 mutations that affect cryopyrin, a protein central to acute inflammatory responses [ 196 ].
Gout is an inflammatory arthritis caused by monosodium urate (MSU) crystal deposition due to hyperuricemia, with a prevalence of ~4% in the United States. MSU crystals activate the NLRP3 inflammasome, leading to caspase-1 activation and subsequent IL-1β maturation, which promotes recruitment of synovial cells and phagocytes and drives acute joint inflammation [ 197 , 198 ]. Conventional treatments include NSAIDs, colchicine, and corticosteroids. However, Schlesinger (2012) demonstrated that canakinumab is superior to triamcinolone acetonide in acute gout and more effective than colchicine in gout flare prophylaxis, reducing both pain and the risk of new flares [ 199 ].
Canakinumab has an extended half-life, allowing subcutaneous administration at 150–300 mg every 4–8 weeks in adults (or 2–4 mg/kg in children). A phase II pilot study preceding the landmark Canakinumab Anti-inflammatory Thrombosis Outcomes Study (CANTOS) trial showed that a single 1.5 mg/kg dose reduced serum CRP by >40% for up to 12 weeks [ 28 , 200 ]. The CANTOS trial randomized post-myocardial infarction patients to receive canakinumab 50, 150, or 300 mg every three months, demonstrating dose-dependent reductions in CRP levels, with a primary endpoint of nonfatal MI, nonfatal stroke, or cardiovascular death [ 201 ]. Similarly, the randomized, placebo-controlled CANTOS trial demonstrated that canakinumab showed effectiveness in the treatment of atherosclerotic vascular lesions in patients to prevent secondary cardiovascular complications [ 202 ]. Additional analyses confirmed that blockade of IL-1β with canakinumab in patients with stable atherosclerotic CVD significantly lowered the risk of recurrent cardiovascular events [ 203 ]. Lorenzatti and Luz Servato (2018) further highlighted that these benefits were achieved without affecting LDL cholesterol levels, underscoring the anti-inflammatory rather than lipid-modifying mechanism of action [ 204 ].
Inflammation plays a central role in both coronary and peripheral atherosclerotic diseases, with elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines closely associated with cardiovascular risk. Canakinumab, a targeted anti-IL-1β therapy, has been investigated for atherosclerotic disease, including peripheral arterial disease. In randomized, double-blind trials, canakinumab significantly reduced systemic inflammation, as evidenced by decreases in plasma IL-6 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), without lowering LDL cholesterol levels, indicating a reduction in recurrent cardiovascular events in post-myocardial infarction patients [ 58 , 201 ]. Additionally, canakinumab has shown potential in the treatment of viral pericarditis caused by cardiotropic viruses, as well as in non-specific pericarditis mediated by inflammasome activation [ 205 ].
Another rare autoinflammatory disorder of autosomal recessive inheritance, known as hyperimmunoglobulin D syndrome (HIDS), caused by specific mutations in the mevalonate kinase ( MVK ) gene, is traditionally managed with NSAIDs, steroids, colchicine, TNF-α inhibitors, and anti-IL-1. Long-term therapy with canakinumab (300 mg every 4 weeks for 5 years) demonstrated sustained remission of fever and arthritis attacks in patients unresponsive to anakinra, with favorable tolerability [ 206 ]. Furthermore, canakinumab, administered at 2 mg/kg every 4 or 8 weeks, reduced inflammation associated with Majeed syndrome [ 190 ]. Subclinical inflammation in insulin-resistant tissues and impaired insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells promote the initiation and progression of type 2 diabetes [ 207 ]. Hyperglycemia activates NOD-like receptor pyrin-3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes, leading to IL-1β activation and local autoinduction of IL-1 within pancreatic islets [ 208 ]. Clinical studies show that IL-1 blockade modestly reduces glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) [ 209 ]. In a randomized trial of diabetic patients with prior MI and elevated hsCRP, subcutaneous administration of canakinumab (50–300 mg every 3 months) prevented major cardiovascular events and reduced fasting plasma and HbA1c and slowed the progression of type 2 diabetes during the first 6–9 months, though long-term metabolic benefits were inconsistent [ 210 ].
In schizophrenia, chronic inflammation has been implicated in disease progression. A recent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of adjunctive subcutaneous canakinumab in chronically ill patients demonstrated reductions in serum hsCRP, a marker of peripheral inflammation, along with improvements in symptom severity [ 211 ]. Beyond neuroinflammation, CANTOS exploratory analyses revealed that patients receiving high-dose canakinumab (300 mg) had significant relative risk reductions in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) incidence (67%) and mortality (77%) [ 212 , 213 , 214 ]. Recently, Garon et al. (2024) conducted the CANOPY-A trial, a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study evaluating canakinumab as adjuvant therapy in operable patients with stage II–IIIA or IIIB non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who had undergone complete resection and adjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy [ 215 ]. Treatment with canakinumab (200 mg every 3 weeks for 18 cycles) resulted in reductions in CRP and IL-6 levels but did not improve disease-free survival (DFS) or demonstrate correlation with clinical outcomes.
Rilonacept (RLC)
Rilonacept (also known as the “IL-1 trap”) is a novel dimeric fusion protein engineered to function as a soluble decoy receptor. It is composed of the extracellular domains of the interleukin-1 receptor type I (IL-1R1) and the IL-1 receptor accessory protein (IL-1RacP), fused to the Fc portion of human IgG1. By binding with high affinity to both IL-1α and IL-1β, rilonacept effectively neutralizes their biological activity and suppresses downstream IL-1-mediated inflammatory signaling [ 216 ].
Rilonacept was initially developed for the management of cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS), and its efficacy led to approval by the U.S. FDA under the “Orphan Drug Status” [ 217 ]. Clinical investigation has demonstrated that NSAIDs, corticosteroids, and antihistamines can alleviate CAPS-associated symptoms, whereas IL-1 inhibitors such as anakinra have significantly improved systemic inflammation and clinical outcomes. These findings supported subsequent investigations into rilonacept and canakinumab for long-term disease control and prevention of chronic inflammatory complications [ 218 ]. In early clinical development, a phase I trial demonstrated that rilonacept was well tolerated during six months of treatment in patients with recent-onset type 1 diabetes; however, it did not preserve β-cell function [ 219 ]. Beyond CAPS, rilonacept has also been investigated in several other inflammatory conditions. For instance, in subacromial bursitis—an inflammatory disorder of the bursa situated between the supraspinatus tendon and the overlying coracoacromial ligament and acromion—rilonacept, when administered with corticosteroid injections, demonstrated efficacy in reducing local inflammation [ 220 ]. Additionally, rilonacept was also evaluated in the SURGE trial, a double-blind, active-controlled study in which patients with acute gout were randomized within 48 h of symptom onset to receive indomethacin alone, rilonacept plus indomethacin, or rilonacept alone. The findings demonstrated that both rilonacept in combination with indomethacin and rilonacept monotherapy significantly improved ongoing gout-related pain and inflammation [ 221 ].
A major therapeutic advancement of rilonacept has been its application in the management of recurrent pericarditis (RP), a debilitating condition affecting approximately 15–30% of individuals following an initial episode of acute pericarditis. RP is associated with persistent or relapsing inflammation of the pericardial sac and contributes substantially to morbidity. Anticytokine biologics have emerged as promising anti-inflammatory therapies for RP, demonstrating favorable outcomes in a phase II trial evaluating their efficacy in patients with recurrent or refractory disease [ 28 ]. In a case report of a patient with severe ulcerative colitis complicated by RP, prolonged anti-inflammatory therapy with rilonacept, an IL-1 inhibitor, resulted in a marked reduction in pericardial inflammation [ 222 ]. The use of IL-1 blockade with anakinra, together with its favorable safety profile, supported the clinical development of rilonacept for patients with RP who are colchicine-resistant and glucocorticoid-dependent. This ultimately led to its approval by the U.S. FDA for the treatment of RP [ 223 , 224 ].
The efficacy of rilonacept was further evaluated in the RHAPSODY trial (Rilonacept Inhibition of Interleukin-1 Alpha and Beta for Recurrent Pericarditis: A Pivotal Symptomatology and Outcomes Study) by Gupta and colleagues (2021), which demonstrated that rilonacept is an effective therapeutic option capable of reducing the frequency of RP episodes and facilitating steroid tapering [ 225 ]. In a subsequent phase III trial, rilonacept significantly reduced the risk of pericarditis recurrence compared with placebo and promoted the rapid resolution of recurrent episodes [ 226 ].
5.4.3. Anti-IL-17/IL-17 Receptor Biologics
The IL-17 pathway plays a central role in the pathogenesis of several autoimmune and inflammatory diseases by promoting the recruitment of neutrophils and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and antimicrobial peptides [ 227 ]. Targeting this pathway has therefore emerged as a strategic therapeutic approach for conditions such as psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis. Biologic agents directed against IL-17 or its receptor, including secukinumab and ixekizumab (IL-17A inhibitors) and brodalumab (IL-17 receptor A antagonist), have demonstrated robust efficacy in clinical trials, resulting in rapid reduction in inflammation, disease activity, and associated clinical symptoms [ 228 , 229 , 230 ]. These therapies represent a significant advancement in immunomodulatory treatment by specifically inhibiting a key pro-inflammatory axis while sparing broader immune functions ( Figure 5 ) ( Table 1 and Table 2 ).
Brodalumab (BRO)
Brodalumab is a fully human IgG2 monoclonal antibody originally developed by Amgen and subsequently licensed to Valeant Pharmaceuticals (now Bausch Health) for further development and commercialization. It specifically targets the IL-17 receptor A (IL-17RA), thereby blocking signaling from several IL-17 family cytokines, including IL-17A, IL-17F, and IL-17E. By inhibiting receptor-mediated signaling, brodalumab suppresses downstream pro-inflammatory pathways implicated in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases [ 231 , 232 ]. Brodalumab received U.S. FDA approval in February 2017 under the brand name Siliq ® for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adult patients who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy. By preventing IL-17 cytokines from engaging their receptor, brodalumab effectively reduces keratinocyte hyperproliferation and cutaneous inflammation associated with psoriatic lesions [ 233 ].
Ixekizumab (IXE)
Ixekizumab is a humanized IgG4 monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to IL-17A, neutralizing its activity and preventing receptor engagement on target cells. By inhibiting IL-17A signaling, ixekizumab reduces inflammatory responses mediated by Th17 cells and related immune pathways. It is indicated for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis and is under evaluation in additional inflammatory conditions in ongoing clinical trials. Phase II clinical trials have demonstrated its capacity to significantly attenuate IL-17-driven inflammation, supporting its clinical efficacy in psoriasis management [ 234 , 235 , 236 ].
Secukinumab (SEC)
Secukinumab is a fully human recombinant IgG1κ monoclonal antibody that selectively neutralizes IL-17A. It binds both the IL-17A homodimer (IL-17A/A) and the IL-17A/F heterodimer, preventing their interaction with the IL-17 receptor complex (IL-17RA/RC) on target cells. IL-17A is produced predominantly by Th17 CD4+ T cells, as well as by CD8+ T cells (Tc17), neutrophils, and mast cells, playing a central role in driving tissue inflammation and autoimmunity [ 230 , 237 , 238 ]. Clinical evaluation of secukinumab in a phase II trial demonstrated robust efficacy in plaque psoriasis. Administration of a single 3 mg/kg dose resulted in a 63% reduction in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), highlighting its potential to significantly mitigate disease activity by targeting IL-17A-mediated pathways [ 239 ].
5.4.4. Anti-IL-12, IL-23, IL-23p19, and IL-22 Biologics
The IL-12 and IL-23 cytokines are pivotal regulators of immune responses, particularly in Th1- and Th17-mediated inflammation [ 240 ]. IL-12 is a heterodimeric cytokine composed of p35 and p40 subunits, whereas IL-23 shares the p40 subunit with IL-12 but contains a distinct p19 subunit. These cytokines drive differentiation and activation of Th1 and Th17 cells, respectively, resulting in the production of downstream inflammatory mediators such as interferon-γ (IFN-γ), IL-17, and IL-22, which contribute to the pathogenesis of autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases, including psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Therapeutic targeting of these cytokines through monoclonal antibodies that selectively neutralize IL-12, IL-22, IL-23, or their specific subunits [ 241 , 242 , 243 ]. By selectively interfering with critical cytokine signaling axes, these biologics provide a focused anti-inflammatory strategy, attenuating pathogenic immune responses while minimizing broad immunosuppression in autoimmune and chronic inflammatory conditions ( Figure 6 ) ( Table 1 and Table 2 ).
Briakinumab (BRI)
Briakinumab is a fully human recombinant IgG1 monoclonal antibody that targets the p40 subunit shared by IL-12 and IL-23. By binding this subunit, briakinumab neutralizes both cytokines (IL-12 and IL-23), preventing their interaction with the IL-12Rβ1 receptor on T cells. This blockade inhibits downstream signaling pathways that drive Th1- and Th17-mediated immune responses, ultimately reducing the inflammatory processes central to psoriasis pathogenesis [ 244 ].
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled phase II trial, 180 patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis were randomized to receive various regimens of ABT-874 (briakinumab) or placebo. At 12 weeks, PASI 75 responses were achieved by 63% (200 mg single dose), 93% (100 mg every other week), 90% (200 mg every other week), 90% (200 mg weekly), and 3% in the placebo group. At 24 weeks, maintenance of PASI 75 was observed in 23% (200 mg single dose), 60% (100 mg every other week), 60% (200 mg weekly for four doses), 73% (200 mg every other week), 83% (200 mg weekly), and 7% of the placebo group [ 116 , 245 , 246 ]. Despite these promising results, development of briakinumab was discontinued in 2011 after phase III trials revealed increased risks of serious infections and cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction and stroke.
Fezakinumab (FEZ)
Fezakinumab (ILV-094) is a fully human monoclonal antibody that selectively targets IL-22, a cytokine involved in epidermal hyperproliferation and skin barrier dysfunction. Pfizer Inc. (New York, NY, USA) initiated clinical trials for ILV-094 in conditions including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and rheumatoid arthritis [ 247 ]. In phase II studies, fezakinumab combined with methotrexate demonstrated significant improvements in the Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index in patients with severe atopic dermatitis, highlighting its potential to modulate IL-22-driven inflammation. However, as of the latest available information, fezakinumab has not received regulatory approval and is not commercially marketed [ 248 ].
Tildrakizumab (TIL)
Tildrakizumab is a fully humanized IgG1κ monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to the p19 subunit of IL-23, preventing its interaction with the IL-23 receptor on T cells and dendritic cells. IL-23 is a key driver of Th17 cell differentiation and proliferation, leading to the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-17, which contribute to psoriasis and other autoimmune conditions [ 249 ].
Tildrakizumab is indicated for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults, particularly in patients who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy and in those who have not responded or are intolerant to other systemic treatments. Subcutaneous administration of tildrakizumab has been shown to reduce disease severity and improve skin lesions in clinical studies. The drug was originally developed by Schering-Plough Corporation (Kenilworth, NJ, USA) and later acquired by Merck & Co. (Kenilworth, NJ, USA). Later, Sun Pharmaceuticals (Mumbai, India) obtained global marketing rights in 2014 and markets it as Ilumya ® [ 250 ].
Ustekinumab (UST)
Ustekinumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that targets the p40 subunit shared by IL-12 and IL-23, thereby blocking the activity of these pro-inflammatory cytokines. By inhibiting both the Th1 and Th17 immune pathways, ustekinumab provides an effective therapeutic option for patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. The drug was approved by the U.S. FDA and is marketed under the trade name Stelara ® (Janssen Biotech, Inc., a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, headquartered in Horsham, PA, USA) [ 251 ].
The PHOENIX 2 phase III trial, a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study, evaluated 1230 patients receiving subcutaneous doses of ustekinumab 45 mg, 90 mg, or placebo at weeks 0 and 4, followed by dosing every 12 weeks for a total of 28 weeks. At week 12, PASI 75 was achieved by 67% (45 mg), 76% (90 mg), and 4% (placebo) [ 252 ]. Placebo patients who crossed over to ustekinumab treatment at week 12 showed substantial improvement, with sustained PASI 90 responses observed through week 28 [ 116 ]. The efficacy of ustekinumab underscores the critical role of IL-23/Th17 signaling in psoriasis pathogenesis, wherein undifferentiated T-helper cells exposed to TGF-β and IL-6 differentiate into Th17 cells, subsequently producing IL-6 and IL-17 [ 253 ].
5.4.5. Anti-IL-6 and IL-6 Receptor Targeted Biologics
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pleiotropic cytokine with a central role in inflammation and immune regulation. It is produced by a variety of cell types, including macrophages, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and T cells. IL-6 mediates acute-phase responses, promotes B-cell differentiation, induces T-cell proliferation, and facilitates the differentiation of naïve CD4+ T cells into Th17 cells in the presence of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). Dysregulated IL-6 signaling contributes to chronic inflammation and is implicated in numerous autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and giant cell arteritis [ 254 ].
IL-6 exerts its biological effects via classical signaling and trans-signaling. Classical signaling occurs when IL-6 binds to the membrane-bound IL-6 receptor (mIL-6R) and associates with the signal-transducing subunit gp130, activating downstream pathways including JAK/STAT3, MAPK, and PI3K/Akt. Trans-signaling occurs when soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R) forms a complex with IL-6, which activates gp130 on cells that do not express mIL-6R, thereby broadening the range of IL-6-responsive cells [ 255 ].
Therapeutic inhibition of IL-6 signaling has been achieved through monoclonal antibodies targeting either IL-6 itself or the IL-6 receptor (IL-6R). Anti-IL-6 antibodies—namely Clazakizumab, Elsilimomab, MED15117, Olokizumab, Sirukumab, and Ziltivekimab—bind circulating IL-6 and inhibit its interaction with both mIL-6R and sIL-6R. In contrast, anti-IL-6R antibodies—namely Tocilizumab, Sarilumab, and Vobarilizumab—block IL-6 from engaging its receptor, thereby inhibiting both classical and trans-signaling pathways [ 256 ] ( Table 1 and Table 2 ).
Clazakizumab (CLA)
Clazakizumab (BMS-945429; ALD518) is a humanized monoclonal antibody directed against IL-6, a pivotal cytokine in immune regulation and inflammation. Initially developed by Alder Biopharmaceuticals (King of Prussia, PA, USA) and later acquired by CSL Behring in 2020, clazakizumab remains an investigational therapy without regulatory approval. Its mechanism of action involves binding to IL-6 and blocking its interaction with both soluble and membrane-bound IL-6 receptors, thereby inhibiting downstream signaling cascades that mediate inflammatory responses and tissue damage. This makes it a potential therapeutic option for IL-6-driven conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis, and antibody-mediated kidney transplant rejection [ 257 ].
In a randomized, double-blind, phase IIb clinical trial, clazakizumab achieved its primary endpoint by significantly reducing disease activity in patients with moderate-to-severe RA who had an inadequate response to TNF inhibitors. Additional Phase II trials in psoriatic arthritis confirmed musculoskeletal benefits, although without a consistent dose–response relationship. Furthermore, clazakizumab demonstrated promise in chronic active antibody-mediated rejection following kidney transplantation. Despite these encouraging findings, the agent has not advanced to regulatory approval and continues to be under clinical investigation [ 258 , 259 ].
Elsilimomab (ELS)
Elsilimomab (B-E8) is a murine IgG1 monoclonal antibody developed by Diaclone (France) that neutralizes soluble IL-6. By binding to IL-6, it prevents receptor engagement and downstream activation of signaling pathways, including JAK/STAT, MEK/ERK, and PI3K/Akt. This blockade disrupts IL-6-mediated mechanisms implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory disorders and hematological malignancies. Despite evidence of biological activity in preclinical and early clinical studies, Elsilimomab did not progress to commercialization and has no approved trade name [ 260 ].
Olokizumab (OLO)
Olokizumab (CP6038; Artlegia ® ) is a humanized IgG4κ monoclonal antibody that selectively neutralizes IL-6 by binding to site 3 of the cytokine, thereby preventing its interaction with the gp130 co-receptor. This blockade disrupts both classical (membrane-bound IL-6R-mediated) and trans-signaling (soluble IL-6R-mediated) pathways, resulting in attenuation of IL-6-driven inflammation and downstream tissue injury associated with diseases like RA [ 261 ].
Olokizumab has been evaluated extensively in the CREDO clinical trial program, which confirmed its efficacy and safety in patients with RA, particularly in combination with methotrexate in individuals with inadequate responses to prior therapies. In May 2020, olokizumab received regulatory approval in Russia for the treatment of RA and was later approved in Kazakhstan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, and Azerbaijan. It was also approved for COVID-19 management in Russia. However, it has not been approved by either the U.S. FDA or the EMA [ 262 ].
Sarilumab (SAR)
Sarilumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody directed against the interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R), binding both the soluble (sIL-6R) and membrane-bound (mIL-6R) isoforms. By blocking the IL-6/IL-6R interaction, sarilumab prevents recruitment of the gp130 signaling subunit and inhibits downstream pro-inflammatory pathways, including JAK/STAT, MAPK/ERK, and PI3K/Akt cascades, which are central to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathogenesis. Clinically, sarilumab is approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe RA in adults with an inadequate response or intolerance to conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Its therapeutic effects include suppression of C-reactive protein (CRP), inhibition of T-cell activation, and modulation of B-cell differentiation, thereby reducing systemic inflammation and joint damage [ 263 ].
Sarilumab (Kevzara ® ) was co-developed by Sanofi (Paris, France) and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NY, USA), with its first regulatory approval granted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017 for adult patients with moderate-to-severe RA [ 264 ]. The pivotal TARGET trial, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase III study, evaluated sarilumab in RA patients with inadequate response or intolerance to anti-TNF therapies. The results demonstrated significant improvements in clinical and laboratory measures of disease activity, confirming sarilumab’s efficacy in patients refractory to biologic therapies [ 265 ].
Sirukumab (SRK)
Sirukumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody (IgG1κ) that specifically targets and binds to IL-6, a cytokine involved in the pathogenesis of RA. By binding to IL-6, sirukumab prevents its interaction with soluble and membrane-bound IL-6 receptors on target cells, thereby inhibiting the downstream signaling pathways that contribute to inflammation. It is used in the treatment of moderate-to-severe RA [ 266 , 267 ].
Sirukumab underwent several Phase III clinical trials for RA, including the SIRROUND-D, -H, and -T studies, which demonstrated its efficacy in reducing signs and symptoms of RA. Despite these advancements, in 2017, the FDA Advisory Committee did not recommend approval of sirukumab for the treatment of moderate to severe RA. In long-term safety and efficacy studies, SRK demonstrated safety concerns, including an increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events [ 268 ]. Following the FDA’s decision, Johnson and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) decided to discontinue the development of sirukumab for RA [ 269 ].
Tocilizumab (TCZ)
Tocilizumab is a recombinant, humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody with immunomodulatory properties that selectively targets the IL-6R. It binds with high affinity to both sIL-6R and mIL-6R receptor isoforms, thereby competitively inhibiting IL-6 from associating with its receptor. This inhibition prevents the subsequent recruitment and dimerization of the signal-transducing glycoprotein 130 (gp130) subunit, a critical step required for activation of downstream signaling cascades, including the JAK/STAT, MAPK/ERK, and PI3K/Akt pathways [ 267 , 270 ]. IL-6 is a pleiotropic cytokine that orchestrates immune regulation, hematopoiesis, and acute-phase responses. While crucial for host defense, IL-6 overproduction drives pathogenic inflammation and systemic hyperactivation syndromes, including cytokine release syndrome and autoimmune disorders such as RA, sJIA, polyarticular JIA, giant cell arteritis (GCA), and systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease [ 271 ].
Tocilizumab was developed to neutralize IL-6-mediated pathology by simultaneously targeting sIL-6R and mIL-6R. Structurally, it is a humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody with the canonical H2L2 polypeptide configuration, consisting of two identical heavy chains (H2) and two identical light chains (L2). Its therapeutic mechanism is based on competitive inhibition of IL-6 signaling, thereby attenuating inflammation, regulating bone remodeling, and reducing immune-mediated tissue damage [ 272 ].
Clinical trials have demonstrated that TCZ improves clinical signs, reduces disease activity, and prevents radiographic progression in RA [ 273 , 274 ]. Long-term data from the Safety and Tolerability of Tocilizumab Monotherapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis (STREAM) study demonstrated sustained efficacy and safety of TCZ over a five-year period, with superior clinical benefits observed at the 8 mg/kg dose. TCZ significantly reduced acute-phase markers (CRP, ESR), improved hemoglobin levels through suppression of the iron-regulatory hormone hepcidin, and stabilized systemic inflammatory activity [ 275 ]. However, immunogenicity-related adverse events, including anaphylaxis and anaphylactoid reactions, were reported more frequently at the lower doses of TCZ (4 mg/kg) when administered without concomitant methotrexate, likely due to the development of anti-TCZ antibodies [ 276 ].
Beyond systemic effects, TCZ modulates the behavior of synovial fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS), key mediators of RA pathology. It upregulates long non-coding RNA MIR31HG expression while downregulating microRNA-214 (miR-214), thereby restoring PTEN activity and inhibiting AKT-driven proliferation, migration, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) release [ 277 ]. Additionally, TCZ promotes macrophage polarization toward an anti-inflammatory phenotype and protects chondrocytes from catabolic and inflammatory damage. TCZ demonstrated efficacy in glucocorticoid-dependent polymyalgia rheumatica [ 278 ] and in RA patients with life-threatening complications such as hyperferritinemic syndrome and capillary leak syndrome (CLS), particularly in cases refractory to glucocorticoids and high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy [ 279 ]. It also reduces complement components C3 and C4, highlighting its role in systemic inflammation [ 280 ]. Generally, glucocorticoids are considered the gold standard for preventing severe vascular complications; however, their use is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. In a Phase II study of patients with new-onset or relapsing giant cell arteritis (GCA), intravenous TCZ (8 mg/kg) administered every 4 weeks for 52 weeks effectively induced and maintained disease remission. By week 12, patients achieved normalization of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) and were largely asymptomatic on a tapering prednisolone dose of 0.1 mg/kg/day [ 281 , 282 , 283 ].
IL-6 contributes to neuronal hyperexcitability and epileptogenesis through the activation of pro-inflammatory signaling pathways. TCZ has shown therapeutic efficacy in refractory status epilepticus (RSE) and febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES), where it reduces NF-kB activity and downstream inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) [ 192 , 284 , 285 ]. In a prospective, randomized controlled study in patients with RSE, adjunctive treatment with TCZ significantly lowered serum NF-κB levels, which are implicated in inflammation-induced neurodegeneration, as well as other pro-inflammatory cytokines [ 284 , 286 ]. Elevated IL-6 expression in both cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma has been strongly correlated with convulsive epilepsy, where it plays a pivotal role in generating neuronal hyperexcitability and modulating absence seizure activity. Experimental data further support this mechanism: IL-6 blockade with TCZ reduced the incidence of absence seizures and ameliorated depressive-like comorbidities in WAG/Rij rats [ 287 ].
Furthermore, AA amyloidosis is a serious complication of chronic inflammatory disorders, arising from the deposition of amyloid fibrils derived from serum amyloid A protein (SAA). Therapeutic strategies, therefore, focus on reducing SAA levels to prevent further amyloid deposition. TCZ therapy in patients with treatment-refractory chronic inflammatory conditions, including cases complicated by AA amyloidosis and in renal transplant recipients, led to a rapid decline in SAA concentrations (from 70 mg/L to 4 mg/L) within 10 days of the first dose, with suppression maintained for up to 23 months [ 288 ]. In patients with RA, TCZ modulates angiogenesis by significantly reducing circulating extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN/CD147), while simultaneously increasing the expression of circulating microRNAs miR-146a-5p and miR-150-5p. This is accompanied by a concomitant decrease in pro-angiogenic mediators, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) [ 289 ].
The cytokine storm can activate the coagulation cascade, induce vascular endothelial cell dysfunction, and impair myocardial contractility [ 290 ]. In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, tocilizumab (TCZ) therapy improved arterial stiffness, as evidenced by reduced pulse wave velocity (PWV) and lowered brachial blood pressure in an atherosclerosis model [ 186 ]. Moreover, TCZ has demonstrated potential to attenuate both the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis, while also promoting stabilization of atherosclerotic plaques [ 291 , 292 ]. Preclinical and clinical evidence further suggests that TCZ may mitigate ischemia–reperfusion injury and limit adverse left ventricular remodeling following myocardial infarction [ 293 , 294 ]. In a clinical trial of patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), administration of a single intravenous dose of TCZ prior to coronary angiography significantly reduced circulating levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and high-sensitivity troponin T (hsTnT) during the first three days of hospitalization [ 295 ]. These findings indirectly suggest that IL-6 blockade with TCZ may attenuate myocardial inflammation and confer cardioprotective effects in patients with NSTEMI [ 296 ].
Tocilizumab (TCZ) has demonstrated efficacy in refractory dermatological and autoimmune conditions, including psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Behçet’s disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, relapsing polychondritis, vasculitis, and atopic dermatitis [ 297 ]. It is also effective in non-infectious uveitis, a potentially sight-threatening inflammation of the uveal tract [ 298 ]. In experimental periodontitis, systemic TCZ administration (2–8 mg/kg) attenuated alveolar bone resorption and attachment loss, reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, and suppressed Th17-related cytokines and RANKL expression [ 299 ]. Additionally, TCZ promotes an anti-inflammatory monocyte/macrophage phenotype via upregulation of PPARγ [ 300 ]. Additionally, in RA patients, TCZ therapy has been associated with reduced systemic inflammation and attenuation of chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression [ 301 ]. During the COVID-19 pandemic, TCZ gained emergency approval for hospitalized adults and children with severe disease, due to its ability to mitigate cytokine release syndrome [ 302 , 303 ]. Combination therapy with corticosteroids further improved survival in critically ill patients. Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) patients with BCG vaccination undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) developed BCG-related inflammatory syndromes (BCG-IS), which were controlled by IL-1 and IL-6 inhibitors [ 304 ].
Vobarilizumab (VOB)
Vobarilizumab is a humanized bispecific nanobody that selectively targets both soluble (sIL-6R) and membrane-bound (mIL-6R) forms of the IL-6R. By binding to IL-6R, vobarilizumab competitively inhibits IL-6 from interacting with its receptor, thereby suppressing downstream pro-inflammatory signaling cascades, including JAK/STAT, MAPK/ERK, and PI3K/Akt pathways [ 305 ]. Consequently, vobarilizumab attenuates systemic and tissue-specific inflammation, reducing immune-mediated tissue damage in autoimmune diseases such as RA and SLE. Phase IIb clinical trials demonstrated that vobarilizumab exhibited efficacy comparable to that of tocilizumab (Actemra) in RA patients. Despite these promising results regarding its therapeutic potential, efficacy, and safety profile in autoimmune disorders, vobarilizumab has not received regulatory approval and is not commercially available [ 306 ].
Ziltivekimab (ZIL)
Ziltivekimab is a fully human IgG1 monoclonal antibody directed against IL-6, a pleiotropic cytokine implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune, inflammatory, and cardiovascular diseases. By binding directly to soluble IL-6, Ziltivekimab prevents its interaction with both membrane-bound and soluble IL-6 receptor, thereby suppressing downstream pro-inflammatory signaling cascades, including the JAK/STAT, MAPK/ERK, and PI3K/Akt pathways. Through this mechanism, Ziltivekimab disrupts IL-6-mediated processes implicated in systemic inflammation, immune dysregulation, and hepcidin-driven anemia of chronic disease [ 307 ].
During its developmental history, Ziltivekimab has been designated under several code names. It was initially developed as MEDI5117 by MedImmune/AstraZeneca (Gaithersburg, MD, USA), later referred to as COR-001 in subsequent clinical development programs, and subsequently as ABBV-181 following acquisition by AbbVie Inc. (North Chicago, IL, USA) and continued development. Ultimately, it was assigned the International Nonproprietary name (INN) Ziltivekimab [ 308 ].
As MEDI5117 (AstraZeneca/MedImmune), Ziltivekimab underwent a first-in-human, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase I clinical trial in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. This study evaluated safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and immunogenicity and demonstrated an acceptable safety profile with evidence of biological activity. Despite these favorable findings, AstraZeneca discontinued development prior to Phase II/III trials, and MEDI5117 did not progress to regulatory submission or approval [ 309 ].
Under AbbVie’s sponsorship (ABBV-181/Ziltivekimab), the biologic advanced to Phase II clinical trials for autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, including RA, SLE, psoriasis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis. More recently, the developmental emphasis has expanded into cardiovascular and renal indications, particularly anemia of inflammation and chronic kidney disease (CKD), in which IL-6-mediated hepcidin dysregulation contributes to morbidity [ 310 ]. In the RESCUE Phase II trial ( NCT03926117 ), Ziltivekimab significantly reduced systemic inflammatory biomarkers such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, and serum amyloid A in patients with CKD and elevated cardiovascular risk [ 311 ]. Building on these results, the ongoing ZEUS Phase III cardiovascular outcomes trial ( NCT05021835 ) is evaluating Ziltivekimab for the reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with CKD and systemic inflammation. As of 2025, Ziltivekimab has not received regulatory approval. Its clinical significance lies in its mechanistic differentiation from IL-6 receptor antagonists such as tocilizumab and sarilumab [ 312 ].
5.5. Biologics Targeting B-Cell Pathways (B-Cell Depletion or Survival Inhibitors)
B cells are critical mediators of adaptive immunity, contributing to immune homeostasis through antibody production, antigen presentation, and cytokine secretion. Dysregulation of B-cell function, including autoantibody production and abnormal survival, plays a central role in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases such as SLE, RA, and multiple sclerosis (MS). Consequently, targeting B-cell pathways has emerged as a key therapeutic strategy to mitigate pathogenic immune responses while preserving essential immune functions [ 313 ].
Biologics targeting B cells operate primarily through two mechanisms: depletion of pathogenic B cells and inhibition of B-cell survival. By modulating B-cell activity at multiple levels, these biologics offer precision-based intervention capable of reducing disease activity, preventing organ damage, and improving long-term outcomes in patients with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases [ 314 ] ( Figure 7 ) ( Table 1 and Table 2 ).
5.5.1. Belimumab (BEL)
Belimumab is a fully human IG1λ monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to soluble B-lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS), also known as B-cell activating factor (BAFF), a cytokine of the TNF superfamily critical for B-cell survival, differentiation, and activation [ 315 , 316 ]. By neutralizing BLyS, belimumab inhibits its interaction with B-cell receptors, thereby reducing the survival of autoreactive B cells and limiting pathogenic autoantibody production. Elevated BLyS levels have been implicated in autoimmune disorders, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), by promoting the persistence of autoreactive B-cell populations [ 317 ].
Belimumab functions as a B-cell survival inhibitor, rather than a direct depleting agent. It blocks soluble BLyS, preventing downstream signaling that would otherwise enhance the proliferation and differentiation of autoreactive B cells. This immunomodulatory mechanism reduces systemic inflammation and tissue damage in autoimmune disease without complete B-cell depletion [ 318 ]. Belimumab is primarily indicated for autoimmune disorders, including SLE and lupus nephritis (LN). It is used as an add-on therapy in adults with active disease despite standard-of-care treatment, particularly in patients with positive anti-dsDNA antibodies and evidence of disease activity [ 319 , 320 ]. Clinical effects typically manifest within 6–12 weeks, with efficacy closely linked to baseline BLyS levels. In 2020, belimumab became the first FDA-approved biologic for non-renal SLE, demonstrating low immunogenicity and a favorable safety profile in clinical trials [ 321 , 322 ].
The BLISS-52 and BLISS-76 Phase III trials—multinational, randomized, double-blind studies—demonstrated that belimumab reduced SLE disease activity, flare rates, and corticosteroid requirements, while extending time to first flare compared to placebo [ 323 , 324 ]. The drug was generally well-tolerated, with common adverse events including headache, upper respiratory tract infection, arthralgia, nausea, urinary tract infection, diarrhea, fatigue, and pyrexia occurring at rates below 10% [ 325 ].
Post hoc analyses from these trials indicated that belimumab ameliorated renal involvement, reducing renal flares and improving renal activity parameters compared to placebo [ 326 ]. More recently, the BLISS-LN trial confirmed the efficacy and safety of belimumab in active LN, showing that patients receiving belimumab alongside standard therapy achieved complete renal response (CRR) at week 104, with improvements in proteinuria, renal function, and overall disease activity [ 327 ].
Novel BLyS and BLyS/APRIL (a proliferation-inducing ligand) pathway inhibitors, such as telitacicept, have demonstrated efficacy in patients with refractory autoimmune manifestations, including lupus hepatitis unresponsive to conventional therapy and prior belimumab treatment [ 328 , 329 ]. Other agents targeting the BLyS pathway, such as atacicept, are also under clinical investigation, underscoring the therapeutic potential of B-cell survival inhibition in autoimmune diseases.
5.5.2. Rituximab (RTX)
Rituximab (IDEC-C288), a chimeric human-mouse IgG1 monoclonal antibody that selectively targets CD20, a surface marker expressed on mature B cells, leading to B-cell depletion via complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). By eliminating CD20-positive B cells, rituximab reduces the production of pathogenic autoantibodies and modulates immune-mediated inflammatory processes [ 315 , 330 ]. Rituximab exerts a direct B-cell depleting effect on abnormal B-cell populations while indirectly diminishing autoantibody-mediated tissue damage. This dual action mitigates systemic inflammation in autoimmune disorders and immune-mediated inflammatory diseases characterized by dysregulated humoral responses, including RA, SLE, granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) [ 315 ]. In RA, rituximab has demonstrated sustained clinical improvement in patients with active disease despite methotrexate (MTX) therapy. Open-label studies, including those by Edwards et al. (2004) [ 331 ], confirmed that selective B-cell depletion leads to significant reductions in disease activity. Rituximab is approved in the United States for the treatment of moderate-to-severe RA in combination with MTX, for patients with an inadequate response to one or more anti-TNF-α inhibitors [ 331 ].
In SLE, rituximab has shown efficacy in patients refractory to conventional therapies, including those with refractory lupus nephritis, autoimmune cytopenias, or neuropsychiatric manifestations [ 332 , 333 ]. However, rituximab is not formally approved for SLE and is generally employed as an off-label option in severe, treatment-resistant cases. Rituximab is typically administered intravenously using two standard regimens: (i) 375 mg/m 2 once weekly for four consecutive weeks in combination with corticosteroids and/or other immunosuppressive agents, or (ii) 1 g on days 1 and 15, repeated every six months, as employed in the EXPLORER Phase II/III trial [ 334 , 335 ]. Rituximab therapy can significantly impair humoral responses, as demonstrated by reduced antibody titers to the pandemic H1N1 influenza vaccine [ 336 ]. Other monoclonal antibodies targeting CD20, such as ocrelizumab and ofatumumab, exert comparable B-cell-depleting effects and are either approved or under clinical investigation for various autoimmune and hematologic disorders.
5.6. Biologics Targeting IgE and Allergy-Modulating Pathways
Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is traditionally recognized for its central role in mediating allergic responses through activation of mast cells, basophils, and other effector immune cells. However, emerging evidence indicates that IgE also contributes to the pathogenesis of certain chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases by promoting aberrant immune activation, cytokine release, and tissue inflammation. Elevated IgE levels have been reported in conditions such as SLE, atopic dermatitis with autoimmune features, and chronic spontaneous urticaria with systemic inflammation, suggesting that IgE-mediated pathways may extend beyond classical allergic diseases [ 337 , 338 , 339 , 340 , 341 ].
Biologics that target IgE or modulate IgE-driven immune responses offer a precision-based therapeutic approach to attenuate inflammation and autoimmunity. Biologics such as omalizumab, ligelizumab, and quilizumab represent a shift toward immune pathway-specific interventions, targeting upstream mediators of inflammation rather than solely addressing symptomatic manifestations [ 342 , 343 ] ( Table 1 and Table 2 ).
5.6.1. Omalizumab (OMA)
Omalizumab (E25/OMZ) is a recombinant humanized IgG1κ monoclonal antibody that specifically targets IgE. By binding to the Cε3 domain of free IgE, omalizumab prevents its interaction with the high-affinity IgE receptor (FcεRI) on mast cells and basophils, thereby reducing receptor expression and attenuating downstream allergic inflammatory responses [ 344 ]. It is manufactured by Genentech, Inc. (CA, USA) in collaboration with Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation (NJ, USA) under the brand name Xolair ® . It is used primarily in the management of allergic asthma and other allergic conditions by binding to IgE and preventing its activation of allergic responses. This mechanism not only sequesters circulating IgE but also diminishes effector cell activation, leading to decreased release of pro-inflammatory mediators [ 345 ].
Commercially developed by Genentech Inc. (CA, USA) in collaboration with Novartis Pharmaceuticals (NJ, USA), omalizumab is marketed under the trade name Xolair ® . Clinically, it is approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe persistent allergic asthma, chronic spontaneous urticaria, and other IgE-mediated disorders [ 346 ]. By neutralizing IgE and suppressing effector cell activation, omalizumab provides a targeted therapeutic approach for patients with refractory allergic disease. Novel IgE-targeting agents, including ligelizumab and quilizumab, are under investigation to enhance efficacy, prolong therapeutic effects, and broaden applications in autoimmune and systemic inflammatory disorders.
MEDI-4212 (developmental code) is a high-affinity, humanized anti-IgE monoclonal antibody developed by MedImmune/AstraZeneca. It binds soluble IgE at epitopes spanning the Cε3/Cε4 domains, thereby preventing interaction with both the high-affinity receptor FcεRI (expressed on mast cells, basophils, and dendritic cells) and the low-affinity receptor CD23 [ 347 ]. This mechanism results in direct neutralization of circulating free-IgE, achieving reductions approximately 1.0 log greater than those observed with omalizumab. Importantly, MEDI-4212 effectively lowered free IgE concentrations near 1 IU/mL, a level predicted to provide optimal suppression of IgE-mediated responses in patients with severe asthma [ 348 , 349 ]. By rapidly depleting free IgE, MEDI-4212 downregulates FcεRI expression on effector cells, thereby attenuating IgE-mediated cellular activation. In addition, engineered MEDI-4212 variants with enhanced Fc effector functions demonstrated ADCC against IgE-expressing memory B cells in preclinical studies [ 350 ]. In a phase I, randomized, placebo- and omalizumab-controlled, first-in-human, dose-escalation study in atopic subjects, MEDI-4212 showed greater potency than omalizumab, with more rapid and profound suppression of serum-free IgE. Treatment also led to reduced FcεRI expression on basophils and dendritic cells, and was generally well tolerated, with adverse events of mostly low severity [ 347 ].
5.6.2. Ligelizumab
Ligelizumab is a humanized IgG1κ monoclonal antibody that binds to the Cε3 domain of IgE with substantially higher affinity than omalizumab. By cross-linking across the IgE-Fc dimer, ligelizumab achieves more complete neutralization of circulating IgE and more potent inhibition of IgE binding to the high-affinity receptor FcεRI on effector cells such as mast cells and basophils. This results in greater suppression of basophil activation in both preclinical and clinical studies [ 351 ].
In early clinical investigations, Arm et al. (2014) [ 352 ] demonstrated that ligelizumab, compared with omalizumab, induced higher suppression of free serum IgE, including in patients with high baseline IgE levels. Pharmacodynamic effects included stronger inhibition of allergen-induced skin prick test responses. These findings were consistent with preclinical assessments and randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials in atopic individuals [ 352 ].
The pivotal PEARL 1 and PEARL 2 Phase III trials were multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo- and active-controlled studies to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ligelizumab in adolescent and adult patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) inadequately controlled by H1-antihistamines. The primary objective was to demonstrate superior efficacy compared to omalizumab (Xolair). Results showed that ligelizumab provided meaningful clinical benefit, with efficacy and safety outcomes in adolescents comparable to those observed in adults [ 353 , 354 , 355 , 356 ].
Based on these results, ligelizumab received Breakthrough Therapy designation from the U.S. FDA in January 2021 for the treatment of CSU in patients with inadequate response to H1-antihistamines [ 357 ]. However, as of 2025, ligelizumab has not received FDA marketing authorization for any indication. Collectively, these findings establish ligelizumab as a next-generation anti-IgE therapy with superior capacity for neutralizing free IgE and more potent inhibition of FcεRI-mediated effector cell activation compared with omalizumab.
5.6.3. Quilizumab (Anti M1 Prime Monoclonal Antibody)
Quilizumab (MEMP-1972A, RG-7449, sometimes reported as h47H4) is an afucosylated, humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody that selectively targets the M1-prime epitope of membrane-bound IgE (mIgE) expressed on IgE-committed B cells. This M1-prime epitope is present on the B-cell receptor of IgE-switched memory B cells but absent on circulating soluble IgE, thereby enabling quilizumab to deplete IgE-expressing B cells without directly neutralizing soluble IgE [ 358 ]. Elevated serum levels of total and allergen-specific IgE are strongly associated with atopic diseases such as allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma. While conventional anti-IgE antibodies (e.g., omalizumab) act by neutralizing free IgE, antibodies directed against the M1-prime epitope suppress IgE production by eliminating IgE-committed B cells. Quilizumab was evaluated in Phase I and II trials assessing safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics in subjects with allergic rhinitis ( NCT01160861 ) and mild allergic asthma ( NCT01196039 ) [ 359 ].
Afucosylation of the Fc domain enhances quilizumab’s affinity for FcγRIIIa on effector cells, thereby increasing ADCC against mIgE-positive B cells. This mechanism results in depletion of IgE-expressing B cells and reduced generation of new IgE [ 358 ]. Pharmacodynamic data demonstrated sustained reductions in both total and allergen-specific IgE (approximately 30–40%) for several months following administration. This mechanism is distinct from omalizumab, which neutralizes soluble IgE, and ligelizumab, which binds soluble IgE with higher affinity but does not directly deplete IgE-committed B cells [ 359 ].
Despite its robust biomarker effects, quilizumab failed to demonstrate clinically meaningful efficacy. In a large, randomized phase II study in patients with allergic asthma, reductions in serum IgE did not translate into significant improvements in exacerbation rates, lung function, or symptom control [ 360 ]. Similar outcomes were observed in phase I studies in allergic rhinitis [ 361 ]. As a result, the clinical development of quilizumab was discontinued in 2015, and it has not received regulatory approval from either the U.S. FDA or EMA [ 362 ].
6. Pharmacovigilance and Systemic Tolerability of Immunobiologics
While the therapeutic efficacy of immunobiologics is well established, their systemic immunomodulatory mechanisms inherently introduce safety considerations, primarily concerning an increased susceptibility to infections. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, as a broad class, are associated with an elevated risk of both serious and opportunistic infections, including the reactivation of latent tuberculosis and herpes zoster. However, meaningful pharmacological differences exist within this class. A comprehensive 2024 network meta-analysis encompassing 61 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 20,458 patients demonstrated that certolizumab pegol significantly increased the risk of serious infection compared with placebo, and that certolizumab pegol and infliximab carried a higher risk of serious infection relative to other TNF inhibitors within the network. By contrast, etanercept and golimumab were associated with the lowest comparative infection risk within the class [ 363 ]. Epidemiological data indicate that this infection risk peaks during the first six months of therapy and is substantially amplified by confounding clinical variables, including concomitant glucocorticoid administration, advanced age, diabetes mellitus, and smoking. Consequently, universal screening for latent tuberculosis and hepatitis B prior to the initiation of any biologic therapy remains a mandatory clinical protocol to mitigate these risks.
Beyond infectious complications, the potential for biologic therapy to alter immune surveillance and influence oncogenesis remains a primary imperative of pharmacovigilance. Overall, the risk of solid-tumor malignancies does not appear broadly elevated across all biologic classes; rather, the risk profile is highly specific to the mechanistic class and the individual agent. For instance, prolonged exposure to TNF inhibitors is consistently associated with a modestly increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancer. Furthermore, a large 2024 cohort study consisting of 25,305 individuals revealed that B-cell depleting therapies, specifically rituximab, were associated with a higher incident cancer risk relative to TNF inhibitors (hazard ratio [HR], 1.91), followed by the T-cell costimulation modulator abatacept (HR, 1.47) [ 364 ]. To contextualize these clinical findings, the ORAL Surveillance trial demonstrated that Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors carry a comparatively higher risk for both incident malignancies and major adverse cardiovascular events than TNF inhibitors, substantiating the rationale for preserving biologics as the preferred first-line advanced therapy in distinct patient populations [ 365 ]. Interestingly, cytokine-specific blockade can yield divergent oncological signals, namely exploratory analyses from the CANTOS cardiovascular outcomes trial found that interleukin-1β (IL-1β) inhibition via canakinumab was associated with a reduction in incident and fatal lung cancer, a hypothesis-generating signal that prompted the subsequent CANOPY program of trials in non-small-cell lung cancer; however, the phase III CANOPY-A adjuvant trial did not meet its primary checkpoint, underscoring that this potential anti-tumor association remains unconfirmed in a dedicated oncology population [ 366 , 367 ].
A fundamental pharmacokinetic challenge associated with protein-based therapeutics is immunogenicity, characterized by the generation of anti-drug antibodies (ADAs). ADAs emerge through both T-cell-dependent and T-cell-independent recognition of non-human or neo-epitope sequences within the biologic structure. ADA development inversely correlates with the degree of molecular humanization; murine (-omab) and chimeric (-ximab) monoclonal antibodies inherently carry a higher immunogenic risk compared to humanized (-zumab) or fully human (-umab) constructs. The clinical consequences of robust ADA generation are significant, often leading to accelerated drug clearance, secondary loss of therapeutic response, and, less frequently, severe infusion or hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, which has been documented in a small subset of patients with detectable anti-tocilizumab antibodies [ 368 , 369 ].
Distinct from classical ADA-mediated immunogenicity, some biologics carry idiosyncratic, off-target immune-mediated toxicities; daclizumab (Zinbryta), for example, was withdrawn from the market following reports of immune-mediated encephalitis and serious hepatotoxicity unrelated to anti-drug antibody formation [ 370 , 371 ]. To circumvent immunogenicity-related loss of response, clinical mitigation strategies frequently employ the co-administration of conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) like methotrexate [ 372 ]. At the molecular level, immunogenicity is actively addressed through advanced Fc engineering, complete sequence humanization, and PEGylation, exemplified by certolizumab pegol, which lacks an Fc region entirely. Furthermore, proactive therapeutic drug monitoring and emerging nanotechnology-based tolerization strategies are increasingly utilized to sustain long-term drug efficacy [ 373 ].
In addition to class-wide evaluations, certain biologics exhibit distinct, idiosyncratic adverse event profiles that determine their therapeutic positioning in clinical practice [ 374 ]. Etanercept, for example, has been implicated in autoantibody induction resulting in drug-induced lupus erythematosus [ 375 , 376 ]. More severely, therapies that indiscriminately block leukocyte trafficking into the central nervous system, notably natalizumab and the discontinued efalizumab, are associated with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) driven by JC virus (John Cunningham virus) reactivation [ 377 , 378 ]. These safety profiles directly inform contemporary guideline-based clinical decision-making. Guidelines established by the ACR, EULAR, and AGA/ECCO conventionally position TNF inhibitors as the preferred first-line biologic following the failure of conventional immunosuppressants, while reserving IL-17 and IL-23 inhibitors for patients exhibiting inadequate responses or specific contraindications [ 379 , 380 , 381 , 382 , 383 ]. Precision medicine principles increasingly guide these selections; for instance, gut-selective vedolizumab is heavily favored over systemically acting natalizumab in inflammatory bowel disease to circumvent PML risk entirely [ 384 ]. Similarly, abatacept may be preferentially selected for patients presenting with elevated cardiovascular risk due to its favorable cardiovascular safety profile, while seropositive rheumatoid arthritis phenotypes strongly favor rituximab intervention [ 385 ]. Ultimately, the selection of an immunobiologic is a complex, shared decision-making process that must synthesize baseline biomarker status, administration logistics, biosimilar availability, and comprehensive risk stratification.
7. The Biosimilar Paradigm: Regulatory Frameworks, Interchangeability, Pharmacoeconomic Impact and Future
The patent expiration of clinical-grade reference immunobiologics has facilitated the development of biosimilars, establishing a vital pathway for healthcare cost mitigation and broader therapeutic availability. In the United States, this regulatory framework was established under the Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act (BPCIA) of 2010, which instituted an expedited approval pathway for biosimilars [ 386 ]. Under these guidelines, the investigational biologic should exhibit high structural and functional similarity to the reference originator product, demonstrating no clinically meaningful differences in safety profile, purity, or biological potency. Rather than evaluating biosimilars through traditional de novo phase III efficacy trials, both the FDA and EMA base regulatory approval on a “totality-of-evidence” approach accumulated across analytical, non-clinical, and clinical dimensions. This paradigm prioritizes extensive structural and functional characterization, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) bioequivalence, and comparative clinical immunogenicity assessments to confirm therapeutic equivalence. While the EMA utilizes an equivalent centralized procedure, international regulatory approaches regarding the authorization and utilization of biosimilars have recently undergone significant convergence. Initially, the widespread adoption of biosimilars was hindered by varying regulatory standards regarding interchangeability, a regulatory status that permits automatic substitution at the pharmacy without the explicit authorization of the prescribing clinician.
For years, the FDA required manufacturers to conduct dedicated, highly controlled switching studies to obtain an interchangeable designation, a regulatory barrier the EMA and the Heads of Medicines Agencies (HMA) addressed in 2022 through a joint statement declaring that all EU-authorized biosimilars are scientifically interchangeable with their reference products, without the need for additional systematic switching studies [ 387 , 388 , 389 ].
In June 2024, the FDA issued draft guidance proposing to eliminate the switching-study requirement for interchangeability designation. This shift was informed by an FDA-led systematic review and meta-analysis of 31 switching studies (encompassing 44 distinct switch treatment periods across 21 biosimilars), which found no clinically meaningful differences in the risk of death, serious adverse events, or treatment discontinuation between switched and non-switched patient cohorts, findings that reflect a broader global regulatory consensus with the EMA. Since that guidance, interchangeable biosimilar approvals have accelerated markedly, with the majority of all U.S. interchangeable biosimilars approved since 2024, including several adalimumab biosimilars [ 390 , 391 ].
The integration of biosimilars into clinical practice is primarily driven by pharmacoeconomics. Market entry of biosimilars acts as a critical regulatory and economic driver across the United States and European healthcare systems, successfully lowering the benchmark prices of reference biologics such as adalimumab, infliximab, and etanercept. Consequently, the expansion of the interchangeable biosimilar ecosystem is projected to substantially reduce both direct acquisition costs and broader administration-related healthcare expenditures. This economic paradigm shift is particularly impactful for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where the high capital requirements of originator biologics have systematically limited patient access to advanced targeted therapies, ultimately expanding equity and availability of disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) for severe autoimmune and inflammatory conditions [ 392 ].
Despite these regulatory and economic advancements, systemic barriers to widespread clinical and market adoption persist. Continued impediments to widespread utilization include clinician and patient unfamiliarity with the FDA regulatory mechanisms for biosimilar approval, alongside state-level pharmacy substitution statutes that remain unaligned with federal interchangeability designations. Furthermore, manufacturer rebate structures and formulary exclusivity contracts consistently mitigate price competition following biosimilar market entry. Clinical adoption is also constrained by residual practitioner apprehension regarding non-medical switching in immune-mediated diseases, despite the robust postmarketing immunogenicity and safety data documented [ 393 , 394 ]. The future of the biosimilar market requires cooperation between multiple stakeholders beyond price competition. Moreover, regulators and developers should collaborate to ensure biosimilars reach patients rapidly without compromising stringent quality, safety, or efficacy standards.
8. Conclusions and Future Perspectives
Therapeutic immunobiologics have revolutionized the treatment of autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases/disorders by enabling targeted modulation of key pathogenic immune pathways. Compared with broad-spectrum immunosuppressants, these agents have demonstrated superior efficacy and, in many cases, improved safety profiles. Therapeutic agents such as T-cell costimulation blockers (e.g., abatacept), B-cell depleting or -modulating agents (e.g., rituximab, belimumab), pro-inflammatory cytokines inhibitors (anti-TNF, anti-IL-6, anti-IL-17/23 families), or leukocyte trafficking inhibitors (integrin antagonists such as vedolizumab and natalizumab) exemplify the spectrum of mechanisms that have delivered substantial clinical benefit across diverse autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), psoriasis, systemic lupus erythematosus and beyond.
Despite these advances, critical challenges remain. Disease heterogeneity, variability in therapeutic response kinetics, treatment-associated immunogenicity, increased risk of infections, and substantial economic burden continue to restrict the widespread application of biologic therapies. The differential efficacy observed between biologic-naïve and biologic-experienced patients, together with variability across distinct disease endotypes and organ systems, underscores the need for more precise strategies in patient selection and the development of personalized treatment paradigms.
Future progress will depend on the development of predictive biomarkers that can inform therapeutic response, durability, and safety. Integrative multi-omic approaches, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, combined with detailed clinical phenotyping, hold promise for biomarker-guided treatment optimization and evidence-based de-escalation strategies. For patients who fail to respond to monotherapy, rationally designed combination regimens, incorporating dual biologics that target complementary immune pathways with or without adjunctive small molecules, require rigorous evaluation to establish additive efficacy, with vigilant monitoring for potential safety risks.
By enabling highly targeted modulation of immune pathways, immunobiologics have transformed the management of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, resulting in improved efficacy and safety profiles compared with conventional therapies. Despite their clinical success, challenges related to delivery, immunogenicity, long-term safety, and interindividual variability remain critical considerations. Emerging strategies, including alternative administration routes, advanced formulation and delivery technologies, precision targeting, and biomarker-guided patient stratification, hold promise for further enhancing therapeutic outcomes. Inhaled biologics represent a promising non-invasive alternative to parenteral administration with potential for both localized and systemic immunomodulation. Advances in aerosol engineering, particle design, and formulation technologies can help to overcome barriers related to stability, deposition, and pulmonary absorption of therapeutic proteins and peptides. A comprehensive understanding of lung physiology and biopharmaceutical interactions will be essential to optimize pharmacokinetics, minimize variability, and ensure long-term safety. Future translational and clinical investigation should focus on scalable delivery platforms and long-term outcome evaluation to establish inhaled immunobiologics as viable modalities in next-generation biologics therapy [ 395 ].
Advances in molecular engineering also represent a critical frontier of innovation. Strategies aimed at reducing immunogenicity, including Fc modifications, PEGylation, and optimized dosing paradigms, have the potential to improve therapeutic durability. Furthermore, next-generation modalities, including bispecific antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, receptor fusion proteins, and agents engineered for enhanced tissue specificity, are poised to broaden the therapeutic armamentarium. Long-term pharmacovigilance remains essential to detect delayed or rare adverse events and to inform real-world safety assessments. In parallel, the development and global availability of high-quality biosimilars are critical for enhancing cost-effectiveness and broadening equitable access to these transformative therapies. In conclusion, therapeutic immunobiologics constitute a cornerstone of contemporary immunotherapy for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Continued advancements in precision medicine, biomarker-guided therapy, molecular and antibody engineering, and health-system integration are expected to drive substantial progress over the next decade, further optimizing therapeutic efficacy, safety, accessibility, and equity in clinical practice.
Disclaimer/Publisher’s Note: The statements, opinions and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of MDPI and/or the editor(s). MDPI and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content.
Institutional Review Board Statement
Not applicable.
Informed Consent Statement
Not applicable.
Data Availability Statement
No new data were created or analyzed in this study.
Conflicts of Interest
The author declares no conflicts of interest.
References
1. Song X. Liang H. Nan F. Chen W. Li J. He L. Cun Y. Li Z. Zhang W. Zhang D. Autoimmune Diseases: Molecular Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Targets MedComm 2025 6 e70262 10.1002/mco2.70262 40529617 PMC12171081
2. Pandey S.P. Bhaskar R. Han S.S. Narayanan K.B. Autoimmune responses and therapeutic interventions for systemic lupus erythematosus: A comprehensive review Endocr. Metab. Immune Disord.-Drug Targets 2024 24 499 518 10.2174/1871530323666230915112642 37718519
3. Pisetsky D.S. Pathogenesis of autoimmune disease Nat. Rev. Nephrol. 2023 19 509 524 10.1038/s41581-023-00720-1 37165096 PMC10171171
4. Narayanan K.B. Park H.H. Toll/interleukin-1 receptor (TIR) domain-mediated cellular signaling pathways Apoptosis 2015 20 196 209 10.1007/s10495-014-1073-1 25563856
5. Prosperi D. Colombo M. Zanoni I. Granucci F. Drug nanocarriers to treat autoimmunity and chronic inflammatory diseases Semin. Immunol. 2017 34 61 67 10.1016/j.smim.2017.08.010 28855088 PMC5705526
6. Li H. Yang Y.-G. Sun T. Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems for induction of tolerance and treatment of autoimmune diseases Front. Bioeng. Biotechnol. 2022 10 889291 10.3389/fbioe.2022.889291 35464732 PMC9019755
7. Dalakas M.C. Pathophysiology of inflammatory and autoimmune myopathies LA Presse Médicale 2011 40 e237 e247 10.1016/j.lpm.2011.01.005 21411269
8. Hazlewood G.S. Whittle S.L. Kamso M.M. Akl E.A. Wells G.A. Tugwell P. Thomas M. Lee C. Ejaredar M. Choudhary D. Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs for rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review and network meta-analysis Cochrane Database Syst. Rev. 2020 2020 CD013562 10.1002/14651858.CD013562.pub2 PMC13361035 42440279
9. Steinman L. Immune therapy for autoimmune diseases Science 2004 305 212 216 10.1126/science.1099896 15247472
10. Felten R. Mertz P. Sebbag E. Scherlinger M. Arnaud L. Novel therapeutic strategies for autoimmune and inflammatory rheumatic diseases Drug Discov. Today 2023 28 103612 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103612 37164306
11. Paluch C. Santos A.M. Anzilotti C. Cornall R.J. Davis S.J. Immune checkpoints as therapeutic targets in autoimmunity Front. Immunol. 2018 9 2306 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02306 30349540 PMC6186808
12. Jung S.M. Kim W.-U. Targeted immunotherapy for autoimmune disease Immune Netw. 2022 22 e9 10.4110/in.2022.22.e9 35291650 PMC8901705
13. Puca P. Capobianco I. Coppola G. Di Vincenzo F. Trapani V. Petito V. Laterza L. Pugliese D. Lopetuso L.R. Scaldaferri F. Cellular and molecular determinants of biologic drugs resistance and therapeutic failure in inflammatory bowel disease Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024 25 2789 10.3390/ijms25052789 38474034 PMC10931715
14. Fu Y. Feng C. Qin S. Xing Z. Liu C. Liu Z. Yu H. Breaking barriers: Advancing cellular therapies in autoimmune disease management Front. Immunol. 2024 15 1503099 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1503099 39676874 PMC11638217
15. Tyndall A. Modern therapeutic strategies for autoimmune diseases Curr. Pharm. Des. 2012 18 4508 4512 10.2174/138161212802502170 22612754
16. Mitra S. Tomar P.C. Hybridoma technology; advancements, clinical significance, and future aspects J. Genet. Eng. Biotechnol. 2021 19 159 10.1186/s43141-021-00264-6 34661773 PMC8521504
17. Baumgart D.C. Misery L. Naeyaert S. Taylor P.C. Biological therapies in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases: Can biosimilars reduce access inequities? Front. Pharmacol. 2019 10 279 10.3389/fphar.2019.00279 30983996 PMC6447826
18. Rosman Z. Shoenfeld Y. Zandman-Goddard G. Biologic therapy for autoimmune diseases: An update BMC Med. 2013 11 88 10.1186/1741-7015-11-88 23557513 PMC3616818
19. Solitano V. Ma C. Hanžel J. Panaccione R. Feagan B.G. Jairath V. Advanced combination treatment with biologic agents and novel small molecule drugs for inflammatory bowel disease Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 2023 19 251 PMC10548249 37799456
20. Rosenblum M.D. Remedios K.A. Abbas A.K. Mechanisms of human autoimmunity J. Clin. Investig. 2015 125 2228 2233 10.1172/jci78088 25893595 PMC4518692
21. Yasmeen F. Pirzada R.H. Ahmad B. Choi B. Choi S. Understanding autoimmunity: Mechanisms, predisposing factors, and cytokine therapies Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024 25 7666 10.3390/ijms25147666 39062908 PMC11277571
22. World Health Organization WHO Guideline on the Prevention and Diagnosis of Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease World Health Organization Geneva, Switzerland 2024 39631006
23. Vedamurthy A. Ananthakrishnan A.N. Influence of environmental factors in the development and outcomes of inflammatory bowel disease Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 2019 15 72 PMC6469265 31011301
24. Wahren-Herlenius M. Dörner T. Immunopathogenic mechanisms of systemic autoimmune disease Lancet 2013 382 819 831 10.1016/s0140-6736(13)60954-x 23993191
25. Narayanan K.B. Ali M. Barclay B.J. Cheng Q. D’Abronzo L. Dornetshuber-Fleiss R. Ghosh P.M. Gonzalez Guzman M.J. Lee T.-J. Leung P.S. Disruptive environmental chemicals and cellular mechanisms that confer resistance to cell death Carcinogenesis 2015 36 S89 S110 10.1093/carcin/bgv032 26106145 PMC4565614
26. Marshall J.S. Warrington R. Watson W. Kim H.L. An introduction to immunology and immunopathology Allergy Asthma Clin. Immunol. 2018 14 49 10.1186/s13223-018-0278-1 30263032 PMC6156898
27. Ruiz R. Kirk A.D. Long-term toxicity of immunosuppressive therapy Transplantation of the Liver 3rd ed. Busuttil R.W. Klintmalm G.B. Elsevier Amsterdam, The Netherlands 2015 1354 1363 10.1016/B978-1-4557-0268-8.00097-X
28. Abbate A. Toldo S. Marchetti C. Kron J. Van Tassell B.W. Dinarello C.A. Interleukin-1 and the inflammasome as therapeutic targets in cardiovascular disease Circ. Res. 2020 126 1260 1280 10.1161/circresaha.120.315937 32324502 PMC8760628
29. Kany S. Vollrath J.T. Relja B. Cytokines in inflammatory disease Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2019 20 6008 10.3390/ijms20236008 31795299 PMC6929211
30. Bhol N.K. Bhanjadeo M.M. Singh A.K. Dash U.C. Ojha R.R. Majhi S. Duttaroy A.K. Jena A.B. The interplay between cytokines, inflammation, and antioxidants: Mechanistic insights and therapeutic potentials of various antioxidants and anti-cytokine compounds Biomed. Pharmacother. 2024 178 117177 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117177 39053423
31. Mease P. Update on treatment of psoriatic arthritis Bull. NYU Hosp. Jt. Dis. 2012 70 167 171 23259623
32. Sagris M. Theofilis P. Antonopoulos A.S. Oikonomou E. Paschaliori C. Galiatsatos N. Tsioufis K. Tousoulis D. Inflammation in coronary microvascular dysfunction Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021 22 13471 10.3390/ijms222413471 34948272 PMC8703507
33. Narayanan K.B. Enzyme-based anti-inflammatory therapeutics for inflammatory diseases Pharmaceutics 2025 17 606 10.3390/pharmaceutics17050606 40430897 PMC12115089
34. Škalko-Basnet N. Biologics: The role of delivery systems in improved therapy Biol. Targets Ther. 2014 8 107 114 10.2147/btt.s38387 PMC3964020 24672225
35. Ebrahimi S.B. Samanta D. Engineering protein-based therapeutics through structural and chemical design Nat. Commun. 2023 14 2411 10.1038/s41467-023-38039-x 37105998 PMC10132957
36. Carter P.J. Introduction to current and future protein therapeutics: A protein engineering perspective Exp. Cell Res. 2011 317 1261 1269 10.1016/j.yexcr.2011.02.013 21371474
37. Marsh M.C. Owen S.C. Therapeutic fusion proteins AAPS J. 2023 26 3 10.1208/s12248-023-00873-8 38036919
38. Kumar V. Barwal A. Sharma N. Mir D.S. Kumar P. Kumar V. Therapeutic proteins: Developments, progress, challenges, and future perspectives 3 Biotech 2024 14 112 10.1007/s13205-024-03958-z 38510462 PMC10948735
39. Wilsmann-Theis D. Martin S. Reber M. Kwiek B. Bieber T. Novak N. Biologicals dramatic advances in the treatment of psoriasis Curr. Pharm. Des. 2006 12 989 999 10.2174/138161206776055930 16533166
40. Won J. Lee G.H. T-Cell–Targeted Signaling Inhibitors Int. Rev. Immunol. 2008 27 19 41 10.1080/08830180701798976 18300054
41. Authorities R. International Nonproprietary Names (INN) WHO Drug Inf. 2018 32 187 282
42. Robertson J.S. Chui W.-K. Genazzani A.A. Malan S.F. de la Rica Manjavacas A.L. Mignot G. Thorpe R. Balocco R. Rizzi M. The INN global nomenclature of biological medicines: A continuous challenge Biologicals 2019 60 15 23 10.1016/j.biologicals.2019.05.006 31130314
43. Eisenberg R. Introducing the Revised WEBbook of Biologics J. Clin. Immunol. 2012 32 1145 1146 10.1007/s10875-012-9794-9 22983552
44. Detrick B. Schmitz J.L. Hamilton R.G. Manual of Molecular and Clinical Laboratory Immunology John Wiley & Sons Hoboken, NJ, USA 2020
45. Guimaraes Koch S.S. Thorpe R. Kawasaki N. Lefranc M.-P. Malan S. Martin A.C. Mignot G. Plückthun A. Rizzi M. Shubat S. International nonproprietary names for monoclonal antibodies: An evolving nomenclature system mAbs 2022 14 2075078 10.1080/19420862.2022.2075078 35584276 PMC9122354
46. Chapoval A.I. Zhu G. Chen L. Immunoglobulin fusion proteins as a tool for evaluation of T-cell costimulatory molecules Mol. Biotechnol. 2002 21 259 264 10.1385/mb:21:3:259 12102550
47. Czajkowsky D.M. Hu J. Shao Z. Pleass R.J. Fc-fusion proteins: New developments and future perspectives EMBO Mol. Med. 2012 4 1015 1028 10.1002/emmm.201201379 22837174 PMC3491832
48. Bernett M.J. Chu S.Y. Leung I. Moore G.L. Lee S.-H. Pong E. Chen H. Phung S. Muchhal U.S. Horton H.M. Immune suppression in cynomolgus monkeys by XPro9523: An improved CTLA4-Ig fusion with enhanced binding to CD80, CD86 and neonatal Fc receptor FcRn mAbs 2013 5 384 396 10.4161/mabs.23976 23549103 PMC4169032
49. Donnelly R.P. Young H.A. Rosenberg A.S. An overview of cytokines and cytokine antagonists as therapeutic agents Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci. 2009 1182 1 13 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2009.05382.x 20074270 PMC6580416
50. Helmy A. Guilfoyle M.R. Carpenter K.L. Pickard J.D. Menon D.K. Hutchinson P.J. Recombinant human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist promotes M1 microglia biased cytokines and chemokines following human traumatic brain injury J. Cereb. Blood Flow Metab. 2016 36 1434 1448 26661249 10.1177/0271678X15620204 PMC4976751
51. Holliger P. Hudson P.J. Engineered antibody fragments and the rise of single domains Nat. Biotechnol. 2005 23 1126 1136 10.1038/nbt1142 16151406
52. Pirkalkhoran S. Grabowska W.R. Kashkoli H.H. Mirhassani R. Guiliano D. Dolphin C. Khalili H. Bioengineering of antibody fragments: Challenges and opportunities Bioengineering 2023 10 122 10.3390/bioengineering10020122 36829616 PMC9952581
53. Iannone F. Lapadula G. The inhibitor of costimulation of T cells: Abatacept J. Rheumatol. Suppl. 2012 89 100 102 10.3899/jrheum.120257 22751606
54. Damoiseaux J. The IL-2–IL-2 receptor pathway in health and disease: The role of the soluble IL-2 receptor Clin. Immunol. 2020 218 108515 10.1016/j.clim.2020.108515 32619646
55. Korhonen R. Moilanen E. Abatacept, a novel CD80/86–CD28 T cell co-stimulation modulator, in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis Basic Clin. Pharmacol. Toxicol. 2009 104 276 284 10.1111/j.1742-7843.2009.00375.x 19228144
56. Goldzweig O. Hashkes P.J. Abatacept in the treatment of polyarticular JIA: Development, clinical utility, and place in therapy Drug Des. Dev. Ther. 2011 5 61 70 10.2147/dddt.s16489 PMC3038996 21340039
57. Arabshahi B. Silverman R.A. Jones O.Y. Rider L.G. Abatacept and sodium thiosulfate for treatment of recalcitrant juvenile dermatomyositis complicated by ulceration and calcinosis J. Pediatr. 2012 160 520 522 10.1016/j.jpeds.2011.11.057 22244459 PMC3306811
58. Ridker P.M. Everett B.M. Thuren T. MacFadyen J.G. Chang W.H. Ballantyne C. Fonseca F. Nicolau J. Koenig W. Anker S.D. Antiinflammatory therapy with canakinumab for atherosclerotic disease N. Engl. J. Med. 2017 377 1119 1131 10.1056/nejmoa1707914 28845751
59. Verma V.K. Mutneja E. Malik S. Sahu A.K. Prajapati V. Bhardwaj P. Ray R. Nag T.C. Bhatia J. Arya D.S. Abatacept: A Promising Repurposed Solution for Myocardial Infarction-Induced Inflammation in Rat Models Oxidative Med. Cell. Longev. 2024 2024 3534104 10.1155/2024/3534104 PMC11219209 38957586
60. Lutgens E. Joffre J. van Os B. Ait-Oufella H. Targeting cytokines and immune checkpoints in atherosclerosis with monoclonal antibodies Atherosclerosis 2021 335 98 109 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2021.09.024 34593238
61. Chung J. Choi M.-R. Kim M.G. Park S.K. Kim Y.M. Abatacept (Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte Antigen 4-Fragment Crystallizable) Reduces Allergic Inflammation of Ovalbumin-Sensitized Mice Am. J. Rhinol. Allergy 2022 36 432 439 10.1177/19458924211072364 34994213
62. Sasaki H. Kohsaka H. Current diagnosis and treatment of polymyositis and dermatomyositis Mod. Rheumatol. 2018 28 913 921 10.1080/14397595.2018.1467257 29669460
63. Kallikourdis M. Martini E. Carullo P. Sardi C. Roselli G. Greco C.M. Vignali D. Riva F. Ormbostad Berre A.M. Stølen T.O. T cell costimulation blockade blunts pressure overload-induced heart failure Nat. Commun. 2017 8 14680 10.1038/ncomms14680 28262700 PMC5343521
64. Nakachi S. Sumitomo S. Tsuchida Y. Tsuchiya H. Kono M. Kato R. Sakurai K. Hanata N. Nagafuchi Y. Tateishi S. Interleukin-10-producing LAG3+ regulatory T cells are associated with disease activity and abatacept treatment in rheumatoid arthritis Arthritis Res. Ther. 2017 19 97 10.1186/s13075-017-1309-x 28511719 PMC5434528
65. Bozec A. Luo Y. Engdahl C. Figueiredo C. Bang H. Schett G. Abatacept blocks anti-citrullinated protein antibody and rheumatoid factor mediated cytokine production in human macrophages in IDO-dependent manner Arthritis Res. Ther. 2018 20 24 10.1186/s13075-018-1527-x 29415763 PMC5803926
66. Roser-Page S. Vikulina T. Weiss D. Habib M.M. Beck G.R. Jr. Pacifici R. Lane T.F. Weitzmann M.N. CTLA-4Ig (abatacept) balances bone anabolic effects of T cells and Wnt-10b with antianabolic effects of osteoblastic sclerostin Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci. 2018 1415 21 33 10.1111/nyas.13643 29500936 PMC5867252
67. Cutolo M. Paolino S. Pizzorni C. Sulli A. Seriolo B. Cimmino M.A. Montagna P. Soldano S. Contini P. Brizzolara R. Effects of combined treatments with CTLA4-IG (abatacept), dexamethasone and methotrexate on cultured human macrophages Clin. Exp. Rheumatol. 2016 34 500 506 26940199
68. Almogairen S.M. Abatacept induced granulomatous hepatitis with a sarcoidosis-like reaction: A blinded trial in mice BMC Pharmacol. Toxicol. 2019 20 26 10.1186/s40360-019-0303-0 31064410 PMC6503540
69. Kapic E. Becic F. Kusturica J. Basiliximab, mechanism of action and pharmacological properties Med. Arh. 2004 58 373 376 15648237
70. Chen T. Li X. Wang J. Wang X. Zhu T. Rong R. Yang C. Basiliximab for the therapy of acute T cell–mediated rejection in kidney transplant recipient with BK virus infection: A case report Front. Immunol. 2022 13 1017872 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1017872 36211389 PMC9537549
71. Henry M.L. Rajab A. The use of basiliximab in solid organ transplantation Expert Opin. Pharmacother. 2002 3 1657 1663 10.1517/14656566.3.11.1657 12437498
72. Ramirez C.B. Marino I.R. The role of basiliximab induction therapy in organ transplantation Expert Opin. Biol. Ther. 2007 7 137 148 17150025 10.1517/14712598.7.1.137
73. Cohan S.L. Lucassen E.B. Romba M.C. Linch S.N. Daclizumab: Mechanisms of action, therapeutic efficacy, adverse events and its uncovering the potential role of innate immune system recruitment as a treatment strategy for relapsing multiple sclerosis Biomedicines 2019 7 18 10.3390/biomedicines7010018 30862055 PMC6480729
74. Wohlrab J. Fischer M. Taube K.M. Marsch W. Treatment of recalcitrant psoriasis with daclizumab Br. J. Dermatol. 2001 144 209 210 10.1046/j.1365-2133.2001.03991.x 11167723
75. Ursu O. Holmes J. Bologa C.G. Yang J.J. Mathias S.L. Stathias V. Nguyen D.-T. Schürer S. Oprea T. DrugCentral 2018: An update Nucleic Acids Res. 2019 47 D963 D970 30371892 10.1093/nar/gky963 PMC6323925
76. Ochoa M.C. Minute L. Rodriguez I. Garasa S. Perez-Ruiz E. Inogés S. Melero I. Berraondo P. Antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity: Immunotherapy strategies enhancing effector NK cells Immunol. Cell Biol. 2017 95 347 355 10.1038/icb.2017.6 28138156
77. Su X. Zhang M. Zhu H. Cai J. Wang Z. Xu Y. Wang L. Shen C. Cai M. Mechanisms of T-cell Depletion in Tumors and Advances in Clinical Research Biol. Proced. Online 2025 27 5 10.1186/s12575-025-00265-6 39905296 PMC11792740
78. Tiefenthaler G. Hünig T. The role of CD2/LFA-3 interaction in antigen-and mitogen-induced activation of human T cells Int. Immunol. 1989 1 169 175 10.1093/intimm/1.2.169 2484882
79. Alnaimat F. Sidhu P. Sarkar S. T-cell targeted therapies in autoimmune diseases Drug Dev. Res. 2011 72 585 597 10.1002/ddr.20468
80. Meng Q. Zaidi A.K. Sedy J. Bensussan A. Popkin D.L. Soluble Fc-Disabled Herpes Virus Entry Mediator Augments Activation and Cytotoxicity of NK Cells by Promoting Cross-Talk between NK Cells and Monocytes J. Immunol. 2019 202 2057 2068 10.4049/jimmunol.1801449 30770415 PMC6424646
81. Baldo B.A. Fusion Proteins Safety of Biologics Therapy: Monoclonal Antibodies, Cytokines, Fusion Proteins, Hormones, Enzymes, Coagulation Proteins, Vaccines, Botulinum Toxins Springer Berlin/Heidelberg, Germany 2016 263 307
82. Ormerod A.D. Alefacept. Biogen Curr. Opin. Investig. Drugs 2003 4 608 613 12833658
83. Bovenschen H. Gerritsen W. Van Rens D. Seyger M. De Jong E. Van De Kerkhof P. Explorative immunohistochemical study to evaluate the addition of a topical corticosteroid in the early phase of alefacept treatment for psoriasis Arch. Dermatol. Res. 2007 298 457 463 17136563 10.1007/s00403-006-0716-7
84. Papoutsaki M. Costanzo A. Treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis BioDrugs 2013 27 3 12 10.1007/bf03325637 23990277
85. Nast A. Sporbeck B. Rosumeck S. Pathirana D. Jacobs A. Werner R.N. Schmitt J. Which antipsoriatic drug has the fastest onset of action?—Systematic review on the rapidity of the onset of action J. Investig. Dermatol. 2013 133 1963 1970 10.1038/jid.2013.78 23426133
86. Mrowietz U. Treatment targeted to cell surface epitopes Clin. Exp. Dermatol. 2002 27 591 596 10.1046/j.1365-2230.2002.01171.x 12464155
87. Aruffo A. Hollenbaugh D. Therapeutic intervention with inhibitors of co-stimulatory pathways in autoimmune disease Curr. Opin. Immunol. 2001 13 683 686 10.1016/s0952-7915(01)00279-5 11677090
88. Ghosh S. Panaccione R. Anti-adhesion molecule therapy for inflammatory bowel disease Ther. Adv. Gastroenterol. 2010 3 239 258 10.1177/1756283x10373176 21180606 PMC3002582
89. Kelly A.J. Long A. Targeting T-cell integrins in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases Clin. Exp. Immunol. 2024 215 15 26 37556361 10.1093/cei/uxad093 PMC10776250
90. Bissonnette R. Ho V. Langley R.G. Safety of conventional systemic agents and biologic agents in the treatment of psoriasis J. Cutan. Med. Surg. 2009 13 S67 S76 10.2310/7750.2009.00023 19799829
91. Menter A. The status of biologic therapies in the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis Cutis 2009 84 14 24 19916298
92. Dedrick R.L. Walicke P. Garovoy M. Anti-adhesion antibodies: Efalizumab, a humanized anti-CD11a monoclonal antibody Transpl. Immunol. 2002 9 181 186 10.1016/s0966-3274(02)00029-1 12180828
93. Boehncke W.-H. Efalizumab in the treatment of psoriasis Biol. Targets Ther. 2007 1 301 309 PMC2721316 19707339
94. Lichnog C. Klabunde S. Becker E. Fuh F. Tripal P. Atreya R. Klenske E. Erickson R. Chiu H. Reed C. Cellular mechanisms of etrolizumab treatment in inflammatory bowel disease Front. Pharmacol. 2019 10 39 10.3389/fphar.2019.00039 30774593 PMC6367223
95. Sandborn W.J. Vermeire S. Tyrrell H. Hassanali A. Lacey S. Tole S. Tatro A.R. Committee E.G.S. Etrolizumab for the treatment of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease: An overview of the phase 3 clinical program Adv. Ther. 2020 37 3417 3431 10.1007/s12325-020-01366-2 32445184 PMC7467434
96. Butcher E.C. Williams M. Youngman K. Rott L. Briskin M. Lymphocyte trafficking and regional immunity Adv. Immunol. 1999 72 209 253 10.1016/s0065-2776(08)60022-x 10361577
97. Gurish M.F. Tao H. Abonia J.P. Arya A. Friend D.S. Parker C.M. Austen K.F. Intestinal mast cell progenitors require CD49dβ7 (α4β7 integrin) for tissue-specific homing J. Exp. Med. 2001 194 1243 1252 10.1084/jem.194.9.1243 11696590 PMC2195984
98. Stefanich E. Danilenko D. Wang H. O’Byrne S. Erickson R. Gelzleichter T. Hiraragi H. Chiu H. Ivelja S. Jeet S. A humanized monoclonal antibody targeting the β7 integrin selectively blocks intestinal homing of T lymphocytes Br. J. Pharmacol. 2011 162 1855 1870 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01205.x 21232034 PMC3081127
99. Higgins J.M. Mandlebrot D.A. Shaw S.K. Russell G.J. Murphy E.A. Chen Y.-T. Nelson W.J. Parker C.M. Brenner M.B. Direct and regulated interaction of integrin αEβ7 with E-cadherin J. Cell Biol. 1998 140 197 210 10.1083/jcb.140.1.197 9425167 PMC2132596
100. Rutgeerts P.J. Fedorak R.N. Hommes D.W. Sturm A. Baumgart D.C. Bressler B. Schreiber S. Mansfield J.C. Williams M. Tang M. A randomised phase I study of etrolizumab (rhuMAb β7) in moderate to severe ulcerative colitis Gut 2013 62 1122 1130 22717454 10.1136/gutjnl-2011-301769 PMC3711369
101. Vermeire S. O’Byrne S. Keir M. Williams M. Lu T.T. Mansfield J.C. Lamb C.A. Feagan B.G. Panes J. Salas A. Etrolizumab as induction therapy for ulcerative colitis: A randomised, controlled, phase 2 trial Lancet 2014 384 309 318 10.1016/s0140-6736(14)60661-9 24814090
102. Rubin D.T. Dotan I. DuVall A. Bouhnik Y. Radford-Smith G. Higgins P.D. Mishkin D.S. Arrisi P. Scalori A. Oh Y.S. Etrolizumab versus adalimumab or placebo as induction therapy for moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (HIBISCUS): Two phase 3 randomised, controlled trials Lancet Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 2022 7 17 27 10.1016/s2468-1253(21)00338-1 34798036
103. Genentech Genentech Provides Update on Phase III Studies of Etrolizumab in People with Moderately to Severely Active Ulcerative Colitis 2020 Available online: https://www.gene.com/media/press-releases/14870/2020-08-09/genentech-provides-update-on-phase-iii-s (accessed on 23 July 2026)
104. Polman C.H. O’Connor P.W. Havrdova E. Hutchinson M. Kappos L. Miller D.H. Phillips J.T. Lublin F.D. Giovannoni G. Wajgt A. A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of natalizumab for relapsing multiple sclerosis N. Engl. J. Med. 2006 354 899 910 10.1056/nejmoa044397 16510744
105. Bloomgren G. Richman S. Hotermans C. Subramanyam M. Goelz S. Natarajan A. Lee S. Plavina T. Scanlon J.V. Sandrock A. Risk of natalizumab-associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy N. Engl. J. Med. 2012 366 1870 1880 10.1056/nejmoa1107829 22591293
106. Rudick R.A. Stuart W.H. Calabresi P.A. Confavreux C. Galetta S.L. Radue E.-W. Lublin F.D. Weinstock-Guttman B. Wynn D.R. Lynn F. Natalizumab plus interferon beta-1a for relapsing multiple sclerosis N. Engl. J. Med. 2006 354 911 923 10.1056/nejmoa044396 16510745
107. Gubatan J. Keyashian K. Rubin S.J. Wang J. Buckman C.A. Sinha S. Anti-integrins for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease: Current evidence and perspectives Clin. Exp. Gastroenterol. 2021 333 342 10.2147/ceg.s293272 34466013 PMC8402953
108. FDA News Release FDA Approves First Biosimilar to Treat Multiple Sclerosis 2023 Available online: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-biosimilar-treat-multiple-sclerosis (accessed on 1 October 2025)
109. Cherry L.N. Yunker N.S. Lambert E.R. Vaughan D. Lowe D.K. Vedolizumab: An α4β7 integrin antagonist for ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease Ther. Adv. Chronic Dis. 2015 6 224 233 10.1177/2040622315586970 26336591 PMC4549690
110. Feagan B.G. Rutgeerts P. Sands B.E. Hanauer S. Colombel J.-F. Sandborn W.J. Van Assche G. Axler J. Kim H.-J. Danese S. Vedolizumab as induction and maintenance therapy for ulcerative colitis N. Engl. J. Med. 2013 369 699 710 10.1056/nejmoa1215734 23964932
111. Sandborn W.J. Feagan B.G. Rutgeerts P. Hanauer S. Colombel J.-F. Sands B.E. Lukas M. Fedorak R.N. Lee S. Bressler B. Vedolizumab as induction and maintenance therapy for Crohn’s disease N. Engl. J. Med. 2013 369 711 721 10.1056/nejmoa1215739 23964933
112. Sands B.E. Feagan B.G. Rutgeerts P. Colombel J.-F. Sandborn W.J. Sy R. D’Haens G. Ben-Horin S. Xu J. Rosario M. Effects of vedolizumab induction therapy for patients with Crohn’s disease in whom tumor necrosis factor antagonist treatment failed Gastroenterology 2014 147 618 627.e3 10.1053/j.gastro.2014.05.008 24859203
113. Woś I. Tabarkiewicz J. Effect of interleukin-6,-17,-21,-22, and-23 and STAT3 on signal transduction pathways and their inhibition in autoimmune arthritis Immunol. Res. 2021 69 26 42 10.1007/s12026-021-09173-9 33515210 PMC7921069
114. Koga T. Targeting cytokine pathways: The role of biologics in autoinflammatory disorders Expert Rev. Clin. Immunol. 2026 22 107 121 10.1080/1744666x.2026.2625277 41620931
115. Graves J.E. Nunley K. Heffernan M.P. Off-label uses of biologics in dermatology: Rituximab, omalizumab, infliximab, etanercept, adalimumab, efalizumab, and alefacept (part 2 of 2) J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. 2007 56 e55 e79 10.1016/j.jaad.2006.07.019 17190618
116. Tzu J. Kerdel F. From conventional to cutting edge: The new era of biologics in treatment of psoriasis Dermatol. Ther. 2008 21 131 141 10.1111/j.1529-8019.2008.00180.x 18394087
117. Mitoma H. Horiuchi T. Tsukamoto H. Ueda N. Molecular mechanisms of action of anti-TNF-α agents–Comparison among therapeutic TNF-α antagonists Cytokine 2018 101 56 63 10.1016/j.cyto.2016.08.014 27567553
118. Reimold A.M. The role of adalimumab in rheumatic and autoimmune disorders: Comparison with other biologic agents Open Access Rheumatol. Res. Rev. 2012 4 33 47 10.2147/oarrr.s14569 PMC5045097 27790010
119. Bain B. Brazil M. Fresh from the pipeline: Adalimumab Nat. Rev. Drug Discov. 2003 2 693 10.1038/nrd1182 12953696
120. Smolen J.S. Steiner G. Therapeutic strategies for rheumatoid arthritis Nat. Rev. Drug Discov. 2003 2 473 488 10.1038/nrd1109 12776222
121. Roblin X. Paul S. Adalimumab: A ‘Maillon Faible’ in the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis? J. Crohn’s Colitis 2024 18 337 338 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjad212.0452 37847799
122. Alwawi E.A. Mehlis S.L. Gordon K.B. Treating psoriasis with adalimumab Ther. Clin. Risk Manag. 2008 4 345 351 10.2147/tcrm.s1265 18728850 PMC2504074
123. Sator P. Richter L. Saxinger W. Vasiljevic M. Stingl G. Adalimumab in the treatment of moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis in patients switching from other biologics J. Eur. Acad. Dermatol. Venereol. 2015 29 1742 1749 10.1111/jdv.12981 25665143
124. Mizoshita T. Ando M. Sagawa H. Mori Y. Katano T. Ozeki K. Tanida S. Okamoto Y. Shimura T. Kubota E. Adalimumab therapy in a patient with Crohn’s disease with a giant pelvic paraganglioma after chemotherapy Clin. J. Gastroenterol. 2017 10 250 254 10.1007/s12328-017-0726-3 28271435
125. Wang C.-R. Yang C.-C. Adalimumab therapy in hepatitis B virus-negative polyarteritis nodosa: A case report Medicine 2018 97 e11053 10.1097/md.0000000000011053 29923995 PMC6034564
126. Huis in het Veld P.I. van Asten F. Kuijpers R.W.A.M. Rothova A. de Jong E.K. Hoyng C.B. Adalimumab therapy for refractory birdshot chorioretinopathy Retina 2019 39 2189 2197 10.1097/iae.0000000000002281 30067605
127. Millington G. Dobson J. Holden S. Waters G. Puvanachandra N. Close R. Bale P. Armon K. Sporadic Blau syndrome treated with adalimumab Clin. Exp. Dermatol. 2019 44 811 813 10.1111/ced.14016 31232485
128. Shen J. Sugita M. Linares-Lopez A. Shah S. Eckstein C. Lackey E. Adalimumab as treatment for neurosarcoidosis: A case series J. Neurol. Sci. 2024 460 123018 10.1016/j.jns.2024.123018 38640580
129. Couto C. Schlaen A. Frick M. Khoury M. Lopez M. Hurtado E. Goldstein D. Adalimumab treatment in patients with Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada disease Ocul. Immunol. Inflamm. 2018 26 485 489 27775450 10.1080/09273948.2016.1236969
130. Lee W.S. Yoo S.H. Ko R.E. Yoo W.H. Adalimumab in the treatment of refractory adult-onset Still’s disease Int. J. Rheum. Dis. 2017 20 1798 1799 24954877 10.1111/1756-185X.12421
131. Sahl R.E. Poggi A.I. Nielsen V.W. Yao Y. Patsi I. Poulsen S.S. Dela F. Larsen S. Thomsen S.F. Helge J.W. Adalimumab Treatment Effects on Inflammation and Adipose Tissue Mitochondrial Respiration in Hidradenitis Suppurativa Endocrinol. Diabetes Metab. 2024 7 e70002 10.1002/edm2.70002 39358901 PMC11446982
132. Motegi S.-I. Yonemoto Y. Yanagisawa S. Toki S. Uchiyama A. Yamada K. Ishikawa O. Successful Treatment of Multicentric Reticulohistiocytosis with Adalimumab, Prednisolone and Methotrexate Acta Derm.-Venereol. 2016 96 124 125 10.2340/00015555-2170 26072967
133. Akhtar S. Babar S. Lightman S. Mason J.C. Adalimumab-induced remission of anterior scleritis: A very rare late manifestation of Takayasu arteritis Rheumatology 2015 54 2288 2290 10.1093/rheumatology/kev324 26320134
134. Abbasian F. Bagheri S. Moradi K. Keykhaei M. Etemadi A. Shalbafan M. Shariati B. Vaseghi S. Samsami F.-S. Akhondzadeh S. Evidence for anti-inflammatory effects of adalimumab in treatment of patients with major depressive disorder: A pilot, randomized, controlled trial Clin. Neuropharmacol. 2022 45 128 134 10.1097/wnf.0000000000000518 36093920
135. Nowroozzadeh M.H. Yousefi M. Abuali M. Sanie-Jahromi F. Effect of adalimumab as an anti-inflammatory agent on gene expression of retinal pigment epithelial cells Biomed. Pharmacother. 2024 174 116568 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116568 38599062
136. Kaushik V. Review of Biosimilars of Adalimumab J. Assoc. Physicians India 2017 65 15 21 28836746
137. Patel A.M. Moreland L.W. Certolizumab pegol: A new biologic targeting rheumatoid arthritis Expert Rev. Clin. Immunol. 2010 6 855 866 10.1586/eci.10.69 20979550 PMC3971417
138. Barnes T. Moots R. Targeting nanomedicines in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: Focus on certolizumab pegol Int. J. Nanomed. 2007 2 3 7 10.2147/nano.2007.2.1.3 PMC2673817 17722505
139. Bourne T. Fossati G. Nesbitt A. A PEGylated Fab’fragment against tumor necrosis factor for the treatment of Crohn disease: Exploring a new mechanism of action BioDrugs 2008 22 331 337 18778114 10.2165/00063030-200822050-00005
140. Weger W. Current status and new developments in the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis with biological agents Br. J. Pharmacol. 2010 160 810 820 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.00702.x 20590580 PMC2935988
141. Doherty C.B. Rosen T. Evidence-based therapy for cutaneous sarcoidosis Drugs 2008 68 1361 1383 10.2165/00003495-200868100-00003 18578557
142. Gottlieb A.B. Etanercept for the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis Dermatol. Ther. 2004 17 401 408 10.1111/j.1396-0296.2004.04043.x 15379775
143. Leonardi C.L. Powers J.L. Matheson R.T. Goffe B.S. Zitnik R. Wang A. Gottlieb A.B. Etanercept as monotherapy in patients with psoriasis N. Engl. J. Med. 2003 349 2014 2022 10.1056/nejmoa030409 14627786
144. Abuabara K. Lee H. Kimball A. The effect of systemic psoriasis therapies on the incidence of myocardial infarction: A cohort study Br. J. Dermatol. 2011 165 1066 1073 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2011.10525.x 21777216
145. Lee R.A. Dommasch E. Treat J. Sciacca-Kirby J. Chachkin S. Williams J. Shin D.B. Leyden J.J. Vittorio C. Gelfand J.M. A prospective clinical trial of open-label etanercept for the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. 2009 60 565 573 10.1016/j.jaad.2008.11.898 19185954 PMC2865694
146. Cusack C. Buckley C. Etanercept: Effective in the management of hidradenitis suppurativa Br. J. Dermatol. 2006 154 726 729 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2005.07067.x 16536817
147. Shuja F. Chan C.S. Rosen T. Biologic drugs for the treatment of hidradenitis suppurativa: An evidence-based review Dermatol. Clin. 2010 28 511 524 10.1016/j.det.2010.03.012 20510761
148. Arriola-Villalobos P. Díaz-Valle D. Alejandre-Alba N. López-Abad C. Méndez-Fernández R. Benítez-del-Castillo J. Bilateral Candida chorioretinitis following etanercept treatment for hidradenitis suppurativa Eye 2008 22 599 600 10.1038/sj.eye.6703100 18239677
149. Johnson & Johnson News Details. SIMPONI ® (Golimumab) Receives FDA Approval for Ulcerative Colitis 2013 Available online: https://www.investor.jnj.com/investor-news/news-details/2013/SIMPONI-Golimumab-Receives-FDA-Approval-For-Ulcerative-Colitis-05-15-2013/default.aspx (accessed on 1 October 2025)
150. Barrie A. Plevy S. Treatment of immune-mediated extraintestinal manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease with infliximab Gastroenterol. Clin. 2006 35 883 893 10.1016/j.gtc.2006.09.001 17129819
151. Ning L. Li S. Gao J. Ding L. Wang C. Chen W. Shan G. Zhang F. Yu J. Xu G. Tenascin-C Is Increased in Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Is Associated with response to Infliximab Therapy BioMed Res. Int. 2019 2019 1475705 10.1155/2019/1475705 31886172 PMC6893280
152. Frivolt K. Schwerd T. Schatz S.B. Freudenberg F. Prell C. Werkstetter K.J. Bufler P. Koletzko S. Hyperadiponectinemia during infliximab induction therapy in pediatric Crohn disease J. Pediatr. Gastroenterol. Nutr. 2018 66 915 919 10.1097/mpg.0000000000001876 29287006
153. Tekin S.O. Teksoz S. Terzioglu D. Arikan A. Ozcevik H. Uslu E. Use of infliximab in treatment of acute pancreatitis Bratisl. Lek. Listy 2015 116 167 172 10.4149/bll_2015_034 25869565
154. Baughman R.P. Lower E.E. Treatment of sarcoidosis Clin. Rev. Allergy Immunol. 2015 49 79 92 10.1007/s12016-015-8492-9 25989728
155. Huerva V. Ascaso F.J. Grzybowski A. Infliximab for peripheral ulcerative keratitis treatment Medicine 2014 93 e176 10.1097/md.0000000000000176 25474432 PMC4616390
156. Uyaroglu O.A. Erden A. Kilic L. Peynircioğlu B. Karadag O. Kalyoncu U. Behçet’s disease; A rare refractory patient with vena cava superior syndrome treated with infliximab: A case report and review of the literature Acta Clin. Belg. 2019 74 364 369 30220250 10.1080/17843286.2018.1522020
157. Martinez-Fernandez de la Camara C. Olivares-González L. Hervás D. Salom D. Millán J.M. Rodrigo R. Infliximab reduces Zaprinast-induced retinal degeneration in cultures of porcine retina J. Neuroinflamm. 2014 11 172 10.1186/s12974-014-0172-9 PMC4200228 25301432
158. Panaccione R. Ghosh S. Middleton S. Márquez J.R. Scott B.B. Flint L. van Hoogstraten H.J. Chen A.C. Zheng H. Danese S. Combination therapy with infliximab and azathioprine is superior to monotherapy with either agent in ulcerative colitis Gastroenterology 2014 146 392 400.e3 10.1053/j.gastro.2013.10.052 24512909
159. Sonoda K. Mori M. Hokosaki T. Yokota S. Infliximab plus plasma exchange rescue therapy in Kawasaki disease J. Pediatr. 2014 164 1128 1132. e1121 10.1016/j.jpeds.2014.01.020 24560183
160. Beniwal-Patel P. Matkowskyj K. Caldera F. Infliximab therapy for corticosteroid-resistant ipilimumab-induced colitis J. Gastrointestin Liver Dis. 2015 24 274 10.15403/jgld.2014.1121.243.bwp 26405697
161. Makkawy E.A. Alanazi M.T. Yehia M.F. Almazloum A.M. Infliximab-Induced Interstitial Pneumonitis: A Case Report Cureus 2023 15 e40812 10.7759/cureus.40812 37485130 PMC10362944
162. Assas B.M. Levison S. Little M. England H. Battrick L. Bagnall J. McLaughlin J. Paszek P. Else K.J. Pennock J.L. Anti-inflammatory effects of infliximab in mice are independent of tumour necrosis factor α neutralization Clin. Exp. Immunol. 2017 187 225 233 27669117 10.1111/cei.12872 PMC5217947
163. Faghihi H. Najafabadi A.R. Daman Z. Ghasemian E. Montazeri H. Vatanara A. Respiratory administration of infliximab dry powder for local suppression of inflammation AAPS PharmSciTech 2019 20 128 10.1208/s12249-019-1308-0 30809740
164. Jung E.S. Choi K.w. Kim S.W. Hübenthal M. Mucha S. Park J. Park Z. Ellinghaus D. Schreiber S. Franke A. ZNF133 is associated with infliximab responsiveness in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 2019 34 1727 1735 10.1111/jgh.14652 30851117
165. O’Neill F. Charakida M. Topham E. McLoughlin E. Patel N. Sutill E. Kay C.W. D’Aiuto F. Landmesser U. Taylor P.C. Anti-inflammatory treatment improves high-density lipoprotein function in rheumatoid arthritis Heart 2017 103 766 773 27852695 10.1136/heartjnl-2015-308953 PMC5529963
166. Gertel S. Rokach M. Polachek A. Litinsky I. Anouk M. Elkayam O. Furer V. Anti-inflammatory effects of infliximab and methotrexate on peripheral blood and synovial fluid mononuclear cells: Ex vivo study Scand. J. Rheumatol. 2024 53 188 198 10.1080/03009742.2023.2300887 38275170
167. Włodarczyk M. Fichna J. Sobolewska-Włodarczyk A. Pharmacology and metabolism of infliximab biosimilars—A new treatment option in inflammatory bowel diseases Pharmacol. Rep. 2016 68 797 801 10.1016/j.pharep.2016.04.006 27162107
168. Albshesh A. Ben-Horin S. CT-P13: A review on a biosimilar to infliximab in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease Expert Opin. Biol. Ther. 2019 19 971 978 10.1080/14712598.2019.1653848 31401899
169. Bellinvia S. Ashraf M. Polosa R. Edwards C. A review article on biosimilar infliximab SB2 in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis Immunotherapy 2017 9 1133 1142 10.2217/imt-2017-0068 29067885
170. Dinarello C.A. Overview of the IL-1 family in innate inflammation and acquired immunity Immunol. Rev. 2018 281 8 27 29247995 10.1111/imr.12621 PMC5756628
171. Chan A.H. Schroder K. Inflammasome signaling and regulation of interleukin-1 family cytokines J. Exp. Med. 2019 217 e20190314 10.1084/jem.20190314 PMC7037238 31611248
172. Kölliker Frers R. Otero-Losada M. Kobiec T. Herrera M.I. Udovin L. Kusnier C.F. Capani F. Interleukin-1 Links Autoimmune and Autoinflammatory Pathophysiology in Mixed-Pattern Psoriasis Mediat. Inflamm. 2021 2021 2503378 10.1155/2021/2503378 PMC8541875 34697538
173. Nigrovic P.A. Interleukin 1 Inhibitors: Biology, Principles of Use, and Adverse Events 2021 Available online: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/interleukin-1-inhibitors-biology-principles-of-use-and-adverse-events#H620493584 (accessed on 1 October 2025)
174. Cvetkovic R.S. Keating G. Anakinra BioDrugs 2002 16 303 311 10.2165/00063030-200216040-00005 12196041
175. Stoll J.G. Yasothan U. Rheumatoid arthritis market Nat. Rev. Drug Discov. 2009 8 693 10.1038/nrd2947 19721443
176. Mertens M. Singh J.A. Anakinra for rheumatoid arthritis Cochrane Database Syst. Rev. 2009 2009 CD005121 10.1002/14651858.CD005121.pub3 19160248 PMC12296252
177. Bresnihan B. Alvaro-Gracia J.M. Cobby M. Doherty M. Domljan Z. Emery P. Nuki G. Pavelka K. Rau R. Rozman B. Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with recombinant human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist Arthritis Rheum. 1998 41 2196 2204 10.1002/1529-0131(199812)41:12<2196::aid-art15>3.0.co;2-2 9870876
178. Joosten L.A. Helsen M.M. van de Loo F.A. van den Berg W.B. Anticytokine treatment of established type II collagen–induced arthritis in DBA/1 mice: A comparative study using anti-TNFα, anti–IL-1α/β, and IL-1Ra Arthritis Rheum. 1996 39 797 809 10.1002/art.1780390513 8639177
179. Bendele A. McAbee T. Woodward M. Scherrer J. Collins D. Frazier J. Chlipala E. McCabe D. Effects of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist in a slow-release hylan vehicle on rat type II collagen arthritis Pharm. Res. 1998 15 1557 1561 10.1023/a:1011903100188 9794498
180. Bendele A. McAbee T. Sennello G. Frazier J. Chlipala E. McCabe D. Efficacy of sustained blood levels of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist in animal models of arthritis: Comparison of efficacy in animal models with human clinical data Arthritis Rheum. 1999 42 498 506 10.1002/1529-0131(199904)42:3<498::aid-anr15>3.0.co;2-a 10088773
181. Buckley F. Finckh A. Huizinga T.W. Dejonckheere F. Jansen J.P. Comparative efficacy of novel DMARDs as monotherapy and in combination with methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis patients with inadequate response to conventional DMARDs: A network meta-analysis J. Manag. Care Spec. Pharm. 2015 21 409 423 10.18553/jmcp.2015.21.5.409 25943002 PMC10397966
182. Barut K. Adrovic A. Şahin S. Kasapçopur Ö. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis Balk. Med. J. 2017 34 90 101 10.4274/balkanmedj.2017.0111 PMC5394305 28418334
183. Cunnane G. Madigan A. Murphy E. FitzGerald O. Bresnihan B. The effects of treatment with interleukin-1 receptor antagonist on the inflamed synovial membrane in rheumatoid arthritis Rheumatology 2001 40 62 69 10.1093/rheumatology/40.1.62 11157143
184. Dewberry R. Holden H. Crossman D. Francis S. Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist expression in human endothelial cells and atherosclerosis Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol. 2000 20 2394 2400 10.1161/01.atv.20.11.2394 11073843
185. Johnston W.F. Salmon M. Su G. Lu G. Stone M.L. Zhao Y. Owens G.K. Upchurch G.R. Jr. Ailawadi G. Genetic and pharmacologic disruption of interleukin-1β signaling inhibits experimental aortic aneurysm formation Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol. 2013 33 294 304 10.1161/atvbaha.112.300432 23288154 PMC3632435
186. Ikonomidis I. Pavlidis G. Katsimbri P. Andreadou I. Triantafyllidi H. Tsoumani M. Varoudi M. Vlastos D. Makavos G. Kostelli G. Differential effects of inhibition of interleukin 1 and 6 on myocardial, coronary and vascular function Clin. Res. Cardiol. 2019 108 1093 1101 10.1007/s00392-019-01443-9 30859382
187. Bami S. Vagrecha A. Soberman D. Badawi M. Cannone D. Lipton J.M. Cron R.Q. Levy C.F. The use of anakinra in the treatment of secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis Pediatr. Blood Cancer 2020 67 e28581 10.1002/pbc.28581 32725881
188. Oranges T. Insalaco A. Diociaiuti A. Carnevale C. Strippoli R. Zambruno G. Tomà P. El Hachem M. Severe osteoarticular involvement in isotretinoin-triggered acne fulminans: Two cases successfully treated with anakinra J. Eur. Acad. Dermatol. Venereol. 2017 31 e277 e279 27785852 10.1111/jdv.14022
189. Ferguson P.J. El-Shanti H. Majeed Syndrome: A review of the clinical, genetic and immunologic features Biomolecules 2021 11 367 10.3390/biom11030367 33670882 PMC7997317
190. Narayanan D.L. Gogineni K.S. Badiger V.A. LPIN2-Related Majeed Syndrome GeneReviews [Internet] Adam M.P. Bick S. Mirzaa G.M. Pagon R.A. Wallace S.E. Amemiya A. University of Washington Seattle, WA, USA 2023 Available online: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK589480/ (accessed on 25 October 2025) 36877799
191. Trinka E. Cock H. Hesdorffer D. Rossetti A.O. Scheffer I.E. Shinnar S. Shorvon S. Lowenstein D.H. A definition and classification of status epilepticus–Report of the ILAE Task Force on Classification of Status Epilepticus Epilepsia 2015 56 1515 1523 10.1111/epi.13121 26336950
192. Foiadelli T. Santangelo A. Costagliola G. Costa E. Scacciati M. Riva A. Volpedo G. Smaldone M. Bonuccelli A. Clemente A. Neuroinflammation and status epilepticus: A narrative review unraveling a complex interplay Front. Pediatr. 2023 11 1251914 10.3389/fped.2023.1251914 38078329 PMC10703175
193. Naveed Z. Sarwar M. Ali Z. Saeed D. Choudhry K. Sarfraz A. Sarfraz Z. Felix M. Cherrez-Ojeda I. Anakinra treatment efficacy in reduction of inflammatory biomarkers in COVID-19 patients: A meta-analysis J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 2022 36 e24434 10.1002/jcla.24434 35435272 PMC9110982
194. Church L.D. McDermott M.F. Canakinumab, a fully-human mAb against IL-1beta for the potential treatment of inflammatory disorders Curr. Opin. Mol. Ther. 2009 11 81 89 19169963
195. Dhimolea E. Canakinumab MAbs Taylor & Francis Oxfordshire, UK 2010 3 13 10.4161/mabs.2.1.10328 PMC2828573 20065636
196. Dubois E.A. Rissmann R. Cohen A.F. Rilonacept and canakinumab Br. J. Clin. Pharmacol. 2011 71 639 641 10.1111/j.1365-2125.2011.03958.x 21375570 PMC3093069
197. Cronstein B.N. Terkeltaub R. The inflammatory process of gout and its treatment Arthritis Res. Ther. 2006 8 S3 10.1186/ar1908 16820042 PMC3226108
198. Neogi T. Dalbeth N. Stamp L. Castelar G. Fitzgerald J. Gaffo A. Mikuls T.R. Singh J. Vázquez-Mellado J. Edwards N.L. Renal dosing of allopurinol results in suboptimal gout care Ann. Rheum. Dis. 2017 76 e1 10.1136/annrheumdis-2016-210352 27582422
199. Schlesinger N. Canakinumab in gout Expert Opin. Biol. Ther. 2012 12 1265 1275 10.1517/14712598.2012.705825 22784099
200. Noe A. Howard C. Thuren T. Taylor A. Skerjanec A. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics of single-dose canakinumab in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus Clin. Ther. 2014 36 1625 1637 10.1016/j.clinthera.2014.08.004 25240532
201. Ridker P.M. Howard C.P. Walter V. Everett B. Libby P. Hensen J. Thuren T. Effects of interleukin-1β inhibition with canakinumab on hemoglobin A1c, lipids, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and fibrinogen: A phase IIb randomized, placebo-controlled trial Circulation 2012 126 2739 2748 10.1161/circulationaha.112.122556 23129601
202. Nasonov E. Popkova T. Atherosclerosis: Perspectives of anti-inflammatory therapy Ter. Arkhiv 2018 90 4 12 10.26442/terarkh20189054-12 30701884
203. Abbate A. Why the CANTOS is a game changer in cardiovascular medicine J. Cardiovasc. Pharmacol. 2017 70 353 355 10.1097/fjc.0000000000000546 29216016
204. Lorenzatti A. Servato M.L. Role of anti-inflammatory interventions in coronary artery disease: Understanding the canakinumab anti-inflammatory thrombosis outcomes study (CANTOS) Eur. Cardiol. Rev. 2018 13 38 10.15420/ecr.2018.11.1 PMC6159474 30310469
205. Cacoub P. Marques C. Acute recurrent pericarditis: From pathophysiology towards new treatment strategy Heart 2020 106 1046 1051 10.1136/heartjnl-2019-316481 32238419
206. Ozdemir Isik O. Karadag D.T. Tekeoglu S. Yazici A. Cefle K. Cefle A. Long-term efficacy of canakinumab in hyperimmunoglobulin D syndrome Int. J. Rheum. Dis. 2024 27 e14857 37578023 10.1111/1756-185X.14857
207. Goldfine A.B. Shoelson S.E. Therapeutic approaches targeting inflammation for diabetes and associated cardiovascular risk J. Clin. Investig. 2017 127 83 93 10.1172/jci88884 28045401 PMC5199685
208. Masters S.L. Dunne A. Subramanian S.L. Hull R.L. Tannahill G.M. Sharp F.A. Becker C. Franchi L. Yoshihara E. Chen Z. Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome by islet amyloid polypeptide provides a mechanism for enhanced IL-1β in type 2 diabetes Nat. Immunol. 2010 11 897 904 10.1038/ni.1935 20835230 PMC3103663
209. Sloan-Lancaster J. Abu-Raddad E. Polzer J. Miller J.W. Scherer J.C. De Gaetano A. Berg J.K. Landschulz W.H. Double-blind, randomized study evaluating the glycemic and anti-inflammatory effects of subcutaneous LY2189102, a neutralizing IL-1β antibody, in patients with type 2 diabetes Diabetes Care 2013 36 2239 2246 10.2337/dc12-1835 23514733 PMC3714510
210. Everett B.M. Donath M.Y. Pradhan A.D. Thuren T. Pais P. Nicolau J.C. Glynn R.J. Libby P. Ridker P.M. Anti-inflammatory therapy with canakinumab for the prevention and management of diabetes J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. 2018 71 2392 2401 10.1016/j.jacc.2018.03.002 29544870
211. Weickert T.W. Jacomb I. Lenroot R. Lappin J. Weinberg D. Brooks W.S. Brown D. Pellen D. Kindler J. Mohan A. Adjunctive canakinumab reduces peripheral inflammation markers and improves positive symptoms in people with schizophrenia and inflammation: A randomized control trial Brain Behav. Immun. 2024 115 191 200 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.10.012 37848096
212. Dolgin E. Anti-inflammatory drug cuts risk of heart disease--and cancer Nat. Rev. Drug Discov. 2017 16 665 668 10.1038/nrd.2017.186 28959943
213. Crossman D. Rothman A.M. Interleukin-1 beta inhibition with canakinumab and reducing lung cancer—Subset analysis of the canakinumab anti-inflammatory thrombosis outcome study trial (CANTOS) J. Thorac. Dis. 2018 10 S3084 10.21037/jtd.2018.07.50 30370085 PMC6186576
214. Schenk K.M. Reuss J.E. Choquette K. Spira A.I. A review of canakinumab and its therapeutic potential for non-small cell lung cancer Anti-Cancer Drugs 2019 30 879 885 10.1097/cad.0000000000000832 31503012
215. Garon E.B. Lu S. Goto Y. De Marchi P. Paz-Ares L. Spigel D.R. Thomas M. Yang J.C.-H. Ardizzoni A. Barlesi F. Canakinumab as adjuvant therapy in patients with completely resected non–small-cell lung cancer: Results from the CANOPY-A double-blind, randomized clinical trial J. Clin. Oncol. 2024 42 180 191 10.1200/jco.23.00910 37788412
216. Luís J.P. Simões C.J. Brito R.M. The therapeutic prospects of targeting IL-1R1 for the modulation of neuroinflammation in central nervous system disorders Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022 23 1731 10.3390/ijms23031731 35163653 PMC8915186
217. Manger B. Gaubitz M. Michels H. Kommission P.d.D. Empfehlungen zur Therapie mit Interleukin-1β-blockierenden Wirkstoffen Z. Rheumatol. 2009 68 766 771 10.1007/s00393-009-0542-3 19756659
218. Treviño S.J. Polo E.R. Tratamiento de los síndromes periódicos asociados a la criopirina (CAPS) Med. Clín. 2011 136 29 33 10.1016/s0025-7753(11)70006-9 21596184
219. White P.C. Adhikari S. Grishman E.K. Sumpter K.M. A phase I study of anti-inflammatory therapy with rilonacept in adolescents and adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus Pediatr. Diabetes 2018 19 788 793 10.1111/pedi.12634 29504185
220. Carroll M.B. Motley S.A. Wohlford S. Ramsey B.C. Rilonacept in the treatment of subacromial bursitis: A randomized, non-inferiority, unblinded study versus triamcinolone acetonide Jt. Bone Spine 2015 82 446 450 10.1016/j.jbspin.2015.02.009 26184525
221. Terkeltaub R. Schumacher R. Curtis C. Patterson N. Evans R. Wang J. Evaluation of rilonacept in patients with gouty arthritis experiencing an acute gout attack Arthritis Rheumatol. 2010 62 153 10.1002/art.27327
222. Kumar A.K. Furqan M.M. Yesilyaprak A. Verma B.R. Gad M. Lak H.M. Gangadharamurthy D. Reyaldeen R. Klein A.L. Inflamed colon and pericardium: A rare combination of colitis and recurrent pericarditis Case Rep. 2021 3 1227 1230 10.1016/j.jaccas.2021.04.009 PMC8353555 34401765
223. Thomas G.K. Bonaventura A. Vecchié A. van Tassell B. Imazio M. Klein A. Luis S.A. Abbate A. Interleukin-1 blockers for the treatment of recurrent pericarditis: Pathophysiology, patient reported outcomes and perspectives J. Cardiovasc. Pharmacol. 2024 83 503 510 10.1097/fjc.0000000000001435 37163222
224. Avondo S. Andreis A. Casula M. Biondi-Zoccai G. Imazio M. Pharmacologic treatment of acute and recurrent pericarditis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials Panminerva Medica 2021 63 314 323 10.23736/s0031-0808.21.04263-4 34738773
225. Gupta M. Kaul S. Velazquez G.R. Bandyopadhyay D. Fonarow G.C. Klein A. Ghosh R.K. A brief overview of recurrent pericarditis management and the potential of rilonacept as a new therapeutic option Am. J. Cardiovasc. Drugs 2021 22 27 33 10.1007/s40256-021-00481-x 34008144
226. Feldman J.M. Frishman W.H. Aronow W.S. Goflikicept and Related IL-1 Inhibitors in the Treatment of Recurrent Pericarditis Cardiol. Rev. 2024 34 273 276 10.1097/crd.0000000000000704 38709249
227. Huangfu L. Li R. Huang Y. Wang S. The IL-17 family in diseases: From bench to bedside Signal Transduct. Target. Ther. 2023 8 402 10.1038/s41392-023-01620-3 37816755 PMC10564932
228. de Morales J.M.G.R. Puig L. Daudén E. Cañete J.D. Pablos J.L. Martín A.O. Juanatey C.G. Adán A. Montalbán X. Borruel N. Critical role of interleukin (IL)-17 in inflammatory and immune disorders: An updated review of the evidence focusing in controversies Autoimmun. Rev. 2020 19 102429 10.1016/j.autrev.2019.102429 31734402
229. Țiburcă L. Bembea M. Zaha D.C. Jurca A.D. Vesa C.M. Rațiu I.A. Jurca C.M. The treatment with interleukin 17 inhibitors and immune-mediated inflammatory diseases Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2022 44 1851 1866 10.3390/cimb44050127 35678656 PMC9164043
230. Simopoulou T. Tsiogkas S.G. Zafiriou E. Bogdanos D.P. Secukinumab, ixekizumab, bimekizumab and brodalumab for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis Drugs Today 2023 59 135 167 10.1358/dot.2023.59.3.3419557 36847624
231. Papp K.A. Leonardi C. Menter A. Ortonne J.-P. Krueger J.G. Kricorian G. Aras G. Li J. Russell C.B. Thompson E.H. Brodalumab, an anti–interleukin-17–receptor antibody for psoriasis N. Engl. J. Med. 2012 366 1181 1189 10.1056/nejmoa1109017 22455412
232. Nirula A. Nilsen J. Klekotka P. Kricorian G. Erondu N. Towne J.E. Russell C.B. Martin D.A. Budelsky A.L. Effect of IL-17 receptor A blockade with brodalumab in inflammatory diseases Rheumatology 2016 55 ii43 ii55 10.1093/rheumatology/kew346 27856660
233. Bettencourt M.S. Real-world clinical experience with the IL-17 receptor a antagonist brodalumab J. Drugs Dermatol. JDD 2020 19 132 136 10.36849/jdd.2020.4774 32129956
234. Blauvelt A. Ixekizumab: A new anti-IL-17A monoclonal antibody therapy for moderate-to severe plaque psoriasis Expert Opin. Biol. Ther. 2016 16 255 263 10.1517/14712598.2016.1132695 26666707
235. Toussirot E. Ixekizumab: An anti-IL-17A monoclonal antibody for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis Expert Opin. Biol. Ther. 2018 18 101 107 29187009 10.1080/14712598.2018.1410133
236. Asahina A. Fazeli M.S. Kendall R. Balasubramanian G. Serafini P. Shaikh A. Gogineni R. Zhang J. Efficacy of Biologics for the Treatment of Moderate-to-Severe Plaque Psoriasis in the Asian Population: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis Int. J. Dermatol. 2025 65 505 515 10.1111/ijd.70092 41115146
237. Miossec P. Kolls J.K. Targeting IL-17 and TH17 cells in chronic inflammation Nat. Rev. Drug Discov. 2012 11 763 776 10.1038/nrd3794 23023676
238. Fargnoli M.C. Secukinumab: The anti-IL-17a biologic for the treatment of psoriasis Case Rep. Dermatol. 2019 11 1 10.1159/000501991 31662731 PMC6816127
239. Frieder J. Kivelevitch D. Menter A. Secukinumab: A review of the anti-IL-17A biologic for the treatment of psoriasis Ther. Adv. Chronic Dis. 2018 9 5 21 29344327 10.1177/2040622317738910 PMC5761942
240. Teng M.W. Bowman E.P. McElwee J.J. Smyth M.J. Casanova J.-L. Cooper A.M. Cua D.J. IL-12 and IL-23 cytokines: From discovery to targeted therapies for immune-mediated inflammatory diseases Nat. Med. 2015 21 719 729 10.1038/nm.3895 26121196
241. Verstockt B. Salas A. Sands B.E. Abraham C. Leibovitzh H. Neurath M.F. Vande Casteele N. IL-12 and IL-23 pathway inhibition in inflammatory bowel disease Nat. Rev. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 2023 20 433 446 10.1038/s41575-023-00768-1 37069321 PMC10958371
242. Daniele S.G. Eldirany S.A. Damiani G. Ho M. Bunick C.G. Structural basis for p19 targeting by anti–IL-23 biologics: Correlations with short-and long-term efficacy in psoriasis JID Innov. 2024 4 100261 10.1016/j.xjidi.2024.100261 38445231 PMC10914523
243. Krueger J.G. Eyerich K. Kuchroo V.K. Ritchlin C.T. Abreu M.T. Elloso M.M. Fourie A. Fakharzadeh S. Sherlock J.P. Yang Y.-W. IL-23 past, present, and future: A roadmap to advancing IL-23 science and therapy Front. Immunol. 2024 15 1331217 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1331217 38686385 PMC11056518
244. Traczewski P. Rudnicka L. Briakinumab for the treatment of plaque psoriasis BioDrugs 2012 26 9 20 10.2165/11595940-000000000-00000 22077474
245. Kimball A.B. Gordon K.B. Langley R.G. Menter A. Chartash E.K. Valdes J. Investigators A.-P.S. Safety and efficacy of ABT-874, a fully human interleukin 12/23 monoclonal antibody, in the treatment of moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis: Results of a randomized, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial Arch. Dermatol. 2008 144 200 207 10.1001/archdermatol.2007.63 18283176
246. Lima X.T. Abuabara K. Kimball A.B. Lima H.C. Briakinumab Expert Opin. Biol. Ther. 2009 9 1107 1113 10.1517/14712590903092188 19569977
247. Guttman-Yassky E. Brunner P.M. Neumann A.U. Khattri S. Pavel A.B. Malik K. Singer G.K. Baum D. Gilleaudeau P. Sullivan-Whalen M. Efficacy and safety of fezakinumab (an IL-22 monoclonal antibody) in adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis inadequately controlled by conventional treatments: A randomized, double-blind, phase 2a trial J. Am. Acad. Dermatol. 2018 78 872 881. e876 10.1016/j.jaad.2018.01.016 29353025 PMC8711034
248. Lo Y. Cheng T.-T. Huang C.-J. Cheng Y.-C. Chyuan I.-T. Advancing Therapeutic Strategies in Atopic Dermatitis: Emerging Targets and Personalized Approaches Biomolecules 2025 15 838 10.3390/biom15060838 40563478 PMC12190253
249. Banaszczyk K. Tildrakizumab in the treatment of psoriasis–literature review Rheumatology 2019 57 234 238 10.5114/reum.2019.87620 31548750 PMC6753595
250. Näslund-Koch C. Zachariae C. Skov L. Tildrakizumab: An evidence-based review of its use in the treatment of moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis Ther. Clin. Risk Manag. 2020 16 903 916 10.2147/tcrm.s227880 33061395 PMC7522402
251. Quatresooz P. Hermanns-Lê T. Piérard G.E. Humbert P. Delvenne P. Piérard-Franchimont C. Ustekinumab in psoriasis immunopathology with emphasis on the Th17-IL23 axis: A primer BioMed Res. Int. 2012 2012 147413 10.1155/2012/147413 PMC3384985 22754278
252. Papp K.A. Langley R.G. Lebwohl M. Krueger G.G. Szapary P. Yeilding N. Guzzo C. Hsu M.-C. Wang Y. Li S. Efficacy and safety of ustekinumab, a human interleukin-12/23 monoclonal antibody, in patients with psoriasis: 52-week results from a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (PHOENIX 2) Lancet 2008 371 1675 1684 10.1016/s0140-6736(08)60726-6 18486740
253. Brownell I. Sexy and 17: TH17 effector T cells and psoriasis J. Drugs Dermatol. JDD 2007 6 853 856 17763621
254. Tanaka T. Narazaki M. Kishimoto T. IL-6 in inflammation, immunity, and disease Cold Spring Harb. Perspect. Biol. 2014 6 a016295 10.1101/cshperspect.a016295 25190079 PMC4176007
255. Rose-John S. Interleukin-6 signalling in health and disease F1000Research 2020 9 1013 10.12688/f1000research.26058.1 PMC7443778 32864098
256. Yao X. Huang J. Zhong H. Shen N. Faggioni R. Fung M. Yao Y. Targeting interleukin-6 in inflammatory autoimmune diseases and cancers Pharmacol. Ther. 2014 141 125 139 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2013.09.004 24076269
257. Nickerson P.W. Böhmig G.A. Chadban S. Kumar D. Mannon R.B. van Gelder T. Lee J.C. Adler S. Chong E. Djamali A. Clazakizumab for the treatment of chronic active antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) in kidney transplant recipients: Phase 3 IMAGINE study rationale and design Trials 2022 23 1042 10.1186/s13063-022-06897-3 36550562 PMC9772593
258. Mease P.J. Gottlieb A.B. Berman A. Drescher E. Xing J. Wong R. Banerjee S. The efficacy and safety of clazakizumab, an anti–interleukin-6 monoclonal antibody, in a phase IIb study of adults with active psoriatic arthritis Arthritis Rheumatol. 2016 68 2163 2173 10.1002/art.39700 27059799
259. Bristol-Myers Squibb Promising Phase IIb Data on Clazakizumab in Patients with Moderate-to-Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis to Be Presented at the 2013 Annual Meeting of the American College of Rheumatology 2013 Available online: https://news.bms.com/news/details/2013/Promising-Phase-IIb-Data-On-Clazakizumab-In-Patients-With-Moderate-To-Severe-Rheumatoid-Arthritis-To-Be-Presented-At-The-2013-Annual-Meeting-Of-The-American-College-Of-Rheumatology/default.aspx (accessed on 1 October 2025)
260. Burger R. Günther A. Klausz K. Staudinger M. Peipp M. Penas E.M.M. Rose-John S. Wijdenes J. Gramatzki M. Due to interleukin-6 type cytokine redundancy only glycoprotein 130 receptor blockade efficiently inhibits myeloma growth Haematologica 2017 102 381 390 27658435 10.3324/haematol.2016.145060 PMC5286946
261. Magro G. SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19: Is interleukin-6 (IL-6) the ‘culprit lesion’of ARDS onset? What is there besides Tocilizumab? SGP130Fc Cytokine X 2020 2 100029 10.1016/j.cytox.2020.100029 32421092 PMC7224649
262. Nasonov E. Fatenejad S. Feist E. Ivanova M. Korneva E. Krechikova D.G. Maslyanskiy A.L. Samsonov M. Stoilov R. Zonova E.V. Olokizumab, a monoclonal antibody against interleukin 6, in combination with methotrexate in patients with rheumatoid arthritis inadequately controlled by methotrexate: Efficacy and safety results of a randomised controlled phase III study Ann. Rheum. Dis. 2022 81 469 479 10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-219876 34344706 PMC8921576
263. Huizinga T.W. Fleischmann R.M. Jasson M. Radin A.R. van Adelsberg J. Fiore S. Huang X. Yancopoulos G.D. Stahl N. Genovese M.C. Sarilumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody against IL-6Rα in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and an inadequate response to methotrexate: Efficacy and safety results from the randomised SARIL-RA-MOBILITY Part A trial Ann. Rheum. Dis. 2014 73 1626 1634 10.1136/annrheumdis-2013-204405 24297381 PMC4145418
264. Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Regeneron and Sanofi Announce FDA Approval of Kevzara ® (sarilumab) for the Treatment of Moderately to Severely Active Rheumatoid Arthritis in Adult Patients PR Newswire 22 May 2017 10.1136/annrheumdis-2017-eular.2955
265. Cooper S. Sarilumab for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis Immunotherapy 2016 8 249 250 10.2217/imt.15.127 26860742
266. Szepietowski J.C. Nilganuwong S. Wozniacka A. Kuhn A. Nyberg F. van Vollenhoven R.F. Bengtsson A.A. Reich A. de Vries D.E. van Hartingsveldt B. Phase I, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multiple intravenous, dose-ascending study of sirukumab in cutaneous or systemic lupus erythematosus Arthritis Rheum. 2013 65 2661 2671 10.1002/art.38091 23896980
267. Sciascia S. Talavera-Garcia E. Roccatello D. Baldovino S. Mengatti E. Cuadrado M.J. Upcoming biological therapies in systemic lupus erythematosus Int. Immunopharmacol. 2015 27 189 193 10.1016/j.intimp.2015.04.049 26028152
268. Aletaha D. Bingham C.O. Karpouzas G.A. Takeuchi T. Thorne C. Bili A. Agarwal P. Hsu B. Rao R. Brown K. Long-term safety and efficacy of sirukumab for patients with rheumatoid arthritis who previously received sirukumab in randomised controlled trials (SIRROUND-LTE) RMD Open 2021 7 e001465 10.1136/rmdopen-2020-001465 33526709 PMC7852950
269. Lazzerini P.E. Capecchi P.L. Guidelli G.M. Selvi E. Acampa M. Laghi-Pasini F. Spotlight on sirukumab for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: The evidence to date Drug Des. Dev. Ther. 2016 10 3083 3098 10.2147/dddt.s99898 PMC5044992 27713619
270. Sthoeger Z. Sharabi A. Mozes E. Novel approaches to the development of targeted therapeutic agents for systemic lupus erythematosus J. Autoimmun. 2014 54 60 71 10.1016/j.jaut.2014.06.002 24958634
271. Tanaka T. Narazaki M. Kishimoto T. Anti-interleukin-6 receptor antibody, tocilizumab, for the treatment of autoimmune diseases FEBS Lett. 2011 585 3699 3709 10.1016/j.febslet.2011.03.023 21419125
272. Nishimoto N. Kishimoto T. Humanized antihuman IL-6 receptor antibody, tocilizumab Therapeutic Antibodies Springer Berlin/Heidelberg, Germany 2008 151 160 10.1007/978-3-540-73259-4_7 18071945
273. Emery P. Keystone E. Tony H. Cantagrel A. Van Vollenhoven R. Sanchez A. Alecock E. Lee J. Kremer J. IL-6 receptor inhibition with tocilizumab improves treatment outcomes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis refractory to anti-tumour necrosis factor biologicals: Results from a 24-week multicentre randomised placebo-controlled trial Ann. Rheum. Dis. 2008 67 1516 1523 10.1136/ard.2008.092932 18625622 PMC3811149
274. Nishimoto N. Hashimoto J. Miyasaka N. Yamamoto K. Kawai S. Takeuchi T. Murata N. van der Heijde D. Kishimoto T. Study of active controlled monotherapy used for rheumatoid arthritis, an IL-6 inhibitor (SAMURAI): Evidence of clinical and radiographic benefit from an x ray reader-blinded randomised controlled trial of tocilizumab Ann. Rheum. Dis. 2007 66 1162 1167 10.1136/ard.2006.068064 17485422 PMC1955155
275. Nishimoto N. Miyasaka N. Yamamoto K. Kawai S. Takeuchi T. Azuma J. Long-term safety and efficacy of tocilizumab, an anti-IL-6 receptor monoclonal antibody, in monotherapy, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (the STREAM study): Evidence of safety and efficacy in a 5-year extension study Ann. Rheum. Dis. 2009 68 1580 1584 10.1136/ard.2008.092866 19019888 PMC2732899
276. Maini R. Taylor P. Szechinski J. Pavelka K. Bröll J. Balint G. Emery P. Raemen F. Petersen J. Smolen J. Double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial of the interleukin-6 receptor antagonist, tocilizumab, in European patients with rheumatoid arthritis who had an incomplete response to methotrexate Arthritis Rheum. 2006 54 2817 2829 10.1002/art.22033 16947782
277. Cao L. Jiang H. Yang J. Mao J. Wei G. Meng X. Zang H. LncRNA MIR31HG is induced by tocilizumab and ameliorates rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocyte-mediated inflammation via miR-214-PTEN-AKT signaling pathway Aging 2021 13 24071 10.18632/aging.203644 34753831 PMC8610144
278. Devauchelle-Pensec V. Carvajal-Alegria G. Dernis E. Richez C. Truchetet M.-E. Wendling D. Toussirot E. Perdriger A. Gottenberg J.-E. Felten R. Effect of tocilizumab on disease activity in patients with active polymyalgia rheumatica receiving glucocorticoid therapy: A randomized clinical trial JAMA 2022 328 1053 1062 10.1001/jama.2022.15459 36125471 PMC12285571
279. He Z. Mo H. Zheng L. Zeng W. Wen J. Chen Z. Qin F. Tocilizumab in the treatment of hyperferritinemic syndrome and capillary leak syndrome secondary to rheumatoid arthritis: Case report and literature review Medicine 2024 103 e38104 10.1097/md.0000000000038104 38728445 PMC11081611
280. Romano C. Del Mastro A. Sellitto A. Solaro E. Esposito S. Cuomo G. Tocilizumab reduces complement C3 and C4 serum levels in rheumatoid arthritis patients Clin. Rheumatol. 2018 37 1695 1700 10.1007/s10067-018-3992-7 29362962
281. Hunder G.G. Epidemiology of giant-cell arteritis Clevel. Clin. J. Med. 2002 69 SII79 SII82 10.3949/ccjm.69.suppl_2.sii79 12086271
282. Villiger P.M. Adler S. Kuchen S. Wermelinger F. Dan D. Fiege V. Bütikofer L. Seitz M. Reichenbach S. Tocilizumab for induction and maintenance of remission in giant cell arteritis: A phase 2, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial Lancet 2016 387 1921 1927 10.1016/s0140-6736(16)00560-2 26952547
283. Poelman H.J. Van Daele P.L. Rothová A. Successful tocilizumab treatment for scleritis Ocul. Immunol. Inflamm. 2020 28 285 287 31411511 10.1080/09273948.2019.1617885
284. El-Haggar S. Hegazy S. Mustafa W. Khrieba M. Possible immuno-modulatory effects of tocilizumab in patients with refractory status epilepticus Eur. Rev. Med. Pharmacol. Sci. 2023 27 1512 1521 10.26355/eurrev_202302_31392 36876691
285. Kurimoto T. Matsuoka T. Ami Y. Kanno K. Fujii T. Fujiwara N. Matsuoka T. Anti-inflammatory and immune-mediated therapy for a case of febrile infection-related epilepsy syndrome with rapid recurrence Clin. Case Rep. 2022 10 e5952 10.1002/ccr3.5952 35685830 PMC9172588
286. Yakovleva T. Bazov I. Watanabe H. Hauser K.F. Bakalkin G. Transcriptional control of maladaptive and protective responses in alcoholics: A role of the NF-κB system Brain Behav. Immun. 2011 25 S29 S38 10.1016/j.bbi.2010.12.019 21195164 PMC3588165
287. Leo A. Nesci V. Tallarico M. Amodio N. Cantafio E.M.G. De Sarro G. Constanti A. Russo E. Citraro R. IL-6 receptor blockade by tocilizumab has anti-absence and anti-epileptogenic effects in the WAG/Rij rat model of absence epilepsy Neurotherapeutics 2020 17 2004 2014 10.1007/s13311-020-00893-8 32681356 PMC7851197
288. Lane T. Gillmore J.D. Wechalekar A.D. Hawkins P.N. Lachmann H.J. Therapeutic blockade of interleukin-6 by tocilizumab in the management of AA amyloidosis and chronic inflammatory disorders: A case series and review of the literature Clin. Exp. Rheumatol. 2015 33 S46 S53 26120866
289. Zisman D. Safieh M. Simanovich E. Feld J. Kinarty A. Zisman L. Gazitt T. Haddad A. Elias M. Rosner I. Tocilizumab (TCZ) decreases angiogenesis in rheumatoid arthritis through its regulatory effect on miR-146a-5p and EMMPRIN/CD147 Front. Immunol. 2021 12 739592 10.3389/fimmu.2021.739592 34975837 PMC8714881
290. Tanaka T. Narazaki M. Kishimoto T. Immunotherapeutic implications of IL-6 blockade for cytokine storm Immunotherapy 2016 8 959 970 10.2217/imt-2016-0020 27381687
291. Akita K. Isoda K. Sato-Okabayashi Y. Kadoguchi T. Kitamura K. Ohtomo F. Shimada K. Daida H. An interleukin-6 receptor antibody suppresses atherosclerosis in atherogenic mice Front. Cardiovasc. Med. 2017 4 84 10.3389/fcvm.2017.00084 29312959 PMC5743912
292. Peeters W. Hellings W. de Kleijn D. de Vries J. Moll F. Vink A. Pasterkamp G. Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaques Stabilize After Stroke Arter. Thromb. Vasc. Biol. 2009 29 128 133 10.1161/atvbaha.108.173658 18931283
293. Schieffer B. Schieffer E. Hilfiker-Kleiner D. Hilfiker A. Kovanen P.T. Kaartinen M. Nussberger J.r. Harringer W. Drexler H. Expression of angiotensin II and interleukin 6 in human coronary atherosclerotic plaques: Potential implications for inflammation and plaque instability Circulation 2000 101 1372 1378 10.1161/01.cir.101.12.1372 10736279
294. Kobara M. Noda K. Kitamura M. Okamoto A. Shiraishi T. Toba H. Matsubara H. Nakata T. Antibody against interleukin-6 receptor attenuates left ventricular remodelling after myocardial infarction in mice Cardiovasc. Res. 2010 87 424 430 10.1093/cvr/cvq078 20211866
295. Kleveland O. Kunszt G. Bratlie M. Ueland T. Broch K. Holte E. Michelsen A.E. Bendz B. Amundsen B.H. Espevik T. Effect of a single dose of the interleukin-6 receptor antagonist tocilizumab on inflammation and troponin T release in patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial Eur. Heart J. 2016 37 2406 2413 10.1093/eurheartj/ehw171 27161611
296. Rakocevic J. Dobric M. Borovic M.L. Milutinovic K. Milenkovic S. Tomasevic M. Anti-inflammatory therapy in coronary artery disease: Where do we stand? Rev. Cardiovasc. Med. 2023 24 10 10.31083/j.rcm2401010 39076864 PMC11270465
297. Koryürek Ö.M. Kalkan G. A new alternative therapy in dermatology: Tocilizumab Cutan. Ocul. Toxicol. 2016 35 145 152 26023856 10.3109/15569527.2015.1049356
298. Lopalco G. Fabiani C. Sota J. Lucherini O.M. Tosi G.M. Frediani B. Iannone F. Galeazzi M. Franceschini R. Rigante D. IL-6 blockade in the management of non-infectious uveitis Clin. Rheumatol. 2017 36 1459 1469 10.1007/s10067-017-3672-z 28528519
299. Vieira G.H.A. Rivas A.C.A. Costa K.F. Oliveira L.F.F. Suzuki K.T. Messora M.R. Ricoldi M.S. de Almeida A.L.G. Taba M. Jr. Specific inhibition of IL-6 receptor attenuates inflammatory bone loss in experimental periodontitis J. Periodontol. 2021 92 1460 1469 10.1002/jper.20-0455 33492708
300. Obeng J.A. Amoruso A. Camaschella G.L.E. Sola D. Brunelleschi S. Fresu L.G. Modulation of human monocyte/macrophage activity by tocilizumab, abatacept and etanercept: An in vitro study Eur. J. Pharmacol. 2016 780 33 37 10.1016/j.ejphar.2016.03.028 26997366
301. Hanaoka H. Kikuchi J. Hiramoto K. Saito S. Kondo Y. Kaneko Y. Decreased chronic kidney disease in rheumatoid arthritis in the era of biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs Clin. Kidney J. 2022 15 1373 1378 10.1093/ckj/sfac036 35756739 PMC9217658
302. Ceribelli A. Motta F. De Santis M. Ansari A.A. Ridgway W.M. Gershwin M.E. Selmi C. Recommendations for coronavirus infection in rheumatic diseases treated with biologic therapy J. Autoimmun. 2020 109 102442 10.1016/j.jaut.2020.102442 32253068 PMC7127009
303. Wei Q. Lin H. Wei R.-G. Chen N. He F. Zou D.-H. Wei J.-R. Tocilizumab treatment for COVID-19 patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis Infect. Dis. Poverty 2021 10 71 10.1186/s40249-021-00857-w 34001244 PMC8128625
304. Laberko A. Yukhacheva D. Rodina Y. Abramov D. Konovalov D. Radygina S. Shelikhova L. Pershin D. Kadnikova O. Maschan M. BCG-related inflammatory syndromes in severe combined immunodeficiency after TCRαβ+/CD19+ depleted HSCT J. Clin. Immunol. 2020 40 625 636 10.1007/s10875-020-00774-x 32377975
305. Van Roy M. Ververken C. Beirnaert E. Hoefman S. Kolkman J. Vierboom M. Breedveld E. ‘t Hart B. Poelmans S. Bontinck L. The preclinical pharmacology of the high affinity anti-IL-6R Nanobody ® ALX-0061 supports its clinical development in rheumatoid arthritis Arthritis Res. Ther. 2015 17 135 10.1186/s13075-015-0651-0 25994180 PMC4476083
306. Dörner T. Weinblatt M. Van Beneden K. Dombrecht E. De Beuf K. Schoen P. Zeldin R.K. FRI0239 Results of a phase 2b study of vobarilizumab, an anti-interleukin-6 receptor nanobody, as monotherapy in patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis Ann. Rheum. Dis. 2017 76 575 10.1136/annrheumdis-2017-eular.3746
307. Ridker P.M. From RESCUE to ZEUS: Will interleukin-6 inhibition with ziltivekimab prove effective for cardiovascular event reduction? Cardiovasc. Res. 2021 117 e138 e140 10.1093/cvr/cvab231 34352102 PMC8861265
308. Drug Profile Ziltivekimab—Novo Nordisk Available online: https://adisinsight.springer.com/drugs/800045660#:~:text=Thank%20you-,Ziltivekimab%20%2D%20Novo%20Nordisk,included%20in%20your%20email%20receipt (accessed on 1 October 2025)
309. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT01559103 . Study to Assess the Safety and Tolerability of MEDI5117 in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients 2021 Available online: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT01559103 (accessed on 1 October 2025)
310. Pergola P.E. Devalaraja M. Fishbane S. Chonchol M. Mathur V.S. Smith M.T. Lo L. Herzog K. Kakkar R. Davidson M.H. Ziltivekimab for treatment of anemia of inflammation in patients on hemodialysis: Results from a phase 1/2 multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial J. Am. Soc. Nephrol. 2021 32 211 222 10.1681/asn.2020081150 33272965 PMC7894678
311. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03926117 . Trial to Evaluate Reduction in Inflammation in Patients with Advanced Chronic Renal Disease Utilizing Antibody Mediated IL-6 Inhibition (RESCUE) 2023 Available online: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03926117 (accessed on 1 October 2025)
312. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05021835 . ZEUS—A Research Study to Look at How Ziltivekimab Works Compared to Placebo in People with Cardiovascular Disease, Chronic Kidney Disease and Inflammation (ZEUS) 2025 Available online: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05021835 (accessed on 1 October 2025)
313. Giri S. Batra L. Memory Cells in Infection and Autoimmunity: Mechanisms, Functions, and Therapeutic Implications Vaccines 2025 13 205 10.3390/vaccines13020205 40006751 PMC11860616
314. La Cava A. Targeting B cells with biologics in systemic lupus erythematosus Expert Opin. Biol. Ther. 2010 10 1555 1561 10.1517/14712598.2010.524923 20919800 PMC2962556
315. Das U.N. Current and emerging strategies for the treatment and management of systemic lupus erythematosus based on molecular signatures of acute and chronic inflammation J. Inflamm. Res. 2010 3 143 170 10.2147/jir.s9425 22096364 PMC3218729
316. Garcia A. De Sanctis J.B. A review of clinical trials of belimumab in the management of systemic lupus erythematosus Curr. Pharm. Des. 2016 22 6306 6312 10.2174/1381612822666160831103254 27587201
317. Regola F. Piantoni S. Lowin T. Archetti S. Reggia R. Kumar R. Franceschini F. Airò P. Tincani A. Andreoli L. Association between changes in BLyS levels and the composition of B and T cell compartments in patients with refractory systemic lupus erythematosus treated with belimumab Front. Pharmacol. 2019 10 433 10.3389/fphar.2019.00433 31105569 PMC6494924
318. Frieri M. Heuser W. Bliss J. Efficacy of novel monoclonal antibody belimumab in the treatment of lupus nephritis J. Pharmacol. Pharmacother. 2015 6 71 76 10.4103/0976-500x.155482 25969652 PMC4419251
319. Petri M. Levy R. Merrill J. Navarra S. Cervera R. van Vollenhoven R. Belimumab, a BLyS-specific inhibitor, reduced disease activity, flares, and prednisone use in patients with seropositive SLE: Combined efficacy results from the phase 3 BLISS-52 and-76 studies Arthritis Rheum. 2010 62 190
320. Stohl W. Inhibition of B cell activating factor (BAFF) in the management of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Expert Rev. Clin. Immunol. 2017 13 623 633 10.1080/1744666x.2017.1291343 28164726
321. Popescu A. Kao A.H. Neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus Curr. Neuropharmacol. 2011 9 449 457 10.2174/157015911796557984 22379459 PMC3151599
322. Blair H.A. Duggan S.T. Belimumab: A review in systemic lupus erythematosus Drugs 2018 78 355 366 10.1007/s40265-018-0872-z 29396833
323. Navarra S.V. Guzmán R.M. Gallacher A.E. Hall S. Levy R.A. Jimenez R.E. Li E.K. Thomas M. Kim H.-Y. León M.G. Efficacy and safety of belimumab in patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus: A randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial Lancet 2011 377 721 731 10.1016/s0140-6736(10)61354-2 21296403
324. Furie R. Petri M. Zamani O. Cervera R. Wallace D.J. Tegzová D. Sanchez-Guerrero J. Schwarting A. Merrill J.T. Chatham W.W. A phase III, randomized, placebo-controlled study of belimumab, a monoclonal antibody that inhibits B lymphocyte stimulator, in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus Arthritis Rheum. 2011 63 3918 3930 10.1002/art.30613 22127708 PMC5007058
325. Wallace D.J. Stohl W. Furie R.A. Lisse J.R. McKay J.D. Merrill J.T. Petri M.A. Ginzler E.M. Chatham W.W. McCune W.J. A phase II, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging study of belimumab in patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus Arthritis Care Res. 2009 61 1168 1178 10.1002/art.24699 PMC2758229 19714604
326. Dooley M. Houssiau F. Aranow C. D’Cruz D. Askanase A. Roth D. Zhong Z. Cooper S. Freimuth W. Ginzler E. Effect of belimumab treatment on renal outcomes: Results from the phase 3 belimumab clinical trials in patients with SLE Lupus 2013 22 63 72 23263865 10.1177/0961203312465781
327. Zhang H. Chen J. Zhang Y. Zhao N. Xu D. Efficacy and safety of belimumab therapy in lupus nephritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis Ren. Fail. 2023 45 2207671 10.1080/0886022x.2023.2207671 37194710 PMC10193908
328. Fan Q. Ji H. Liu Y. Jia C. Zou L. Yang H. Refractory lupus hepatitis successfully treated with telitacicept who failed to belimumab: A case report and literature review Lupus 2024 33 414 419 10.1177/09612033241233021 38320748
329. Xu Y. Mo Y. Xu Y. Advances in Novel Biologics Targeting BAFF/APRIL in the Treatment of IgA Nephropathy Cells 2026 15 240 10.3390/cells15030240 41677607 PMC12897054
330. Dörner T. Kinnman N. Tak P.P. Targeting B cells in immune-mediated inflammatory disease: A comprehensive review of mechanisms of action and identification of biomarkers Pharmacol. Ther. 2010 125 464 475 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2010.01.001 20097226
331. Edwards J.C. Szczepański L. Szechiński J. Filipowicz-Sosnowska A. Emery P. Close D.R. Stevens R.M. Shaw T. Efficacy of B-cell–targeted therapy with rituximab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis N. Engl. J. Med. 2004 350 2572 2581 10.1056/nejmoa032534 15201414
332. Pego-Reigosa J.M. Isenberg D.A. Systemic lupus erythematosus: Pharmacological developments and recommendations for a therapeutic strategy Expert Opin. Investig. Drugs 2008 17 31 41 18095917 10.1517/13543784.17.1.31
333. Turner-Stokes T. Lu T.Y. Ehrenstein M.R. Giles I. Rahman A. Isenberg D.A. The efficacy of repeated treatment with B-cell depletion therapy in systemic lupus erythematosus: An evaluation Rheumatology 2011 50 1401 1408 10.1093/rheumatology/ker018 21398661
334. Ramos-Casals M. Soto M. Cuadrado M. Khamashta M. Rituximab in systemic lupus erythematosusA systematic review of off-label use in 188 cases Lupus 2009 18 767 776 10.1177/0961203309106174 19578100
335. Merrill J. Buyon J. Furie R. Latinis K. Gordon C. Hsieh H. Brunetta P. Assessment of flares in lupus patients enrolled in a phase II/III study of rituximab (EXPLORER) Lupus 2011 20 709 716 10.1177/0961203310395802 21478286
336. Kapetanovic M.C. Kristensen L.-E. Saxne T. Aktas T. Mörner A. Geborek P. Impact of anti-rheumatic treatment on immunogenicity of pandemic H1N1 influenza vaccine in patients with arthritis Arthritis Res. Ther. 2014 16 R2 10.1186/ar4427 24383620 PMC3978632
337. Sanjuan M.A. Sagar D. Kolbeck R. Role of IgE in autoimmunity J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. 2016 137 1651 1661 10.1016/j.jaci.2016.04.007 27264000
338. Galli S.J. Tsai M. IgE and mast cells in allergic disease Nat. Med. 2012 18 693 704 10.1038/nm.2755 22561833 PMC3597223
339. Charles N. Blank U. IgE-Mediated Activation of Mast Cells and Basophils in Health and Disease Immunol. Rev. 2025 331 e70024 10.1111/imr.70024 40165512
340. Kothari A. Hung L. Upton J.E. Considerations for biologics as front-line treatment in allergic diseases Front. Immunol. 2025 16 1746790 10.4103/idoj.idoj_935_24 41562057 PMC12812653
341. de Bruin-Weller M.S. Boesjes C.M. Achten R.A. Beck L.A. Irvine A.D. Vestergaard C. de Graaf M. van Wijk F. Bakker D.S. Weidinger S. Biologics to treat atopic dermatitis: Effectiveness, Safety, and future directions Allergy 2026 81 326 344 40990093 10.1111/all.70061 PMC12862569
342. Navinés-Ferrer A. Serrano-Candelas E. Molina-Molina G.-J. Martín M. IgE-related chronic diseases and anti-IgE-based treatments J. Immunol. Res. 2016 2016 8163803 10.1155/2016/8163803 28097159 PMC5209625
343. Eggel A. Pennington L.F. Jardetzky T.S. Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies in allergy: Targeting IgE, cytokine, and alarmin pathways Immunol. Rev. 2024 328 387 411 10.1111/imr.13380 39158477 PMC11659931
344. Domingo C. Monserrate D.R. Sogo A. Mirapeix R.M. The incredible adventure of omalizumab Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024 25 3056 10.3390/ijms25053056 38474304 PMC10932234
345. Pelaia C. Calabrese C. Terracciano R. De Blasio F. Vatrella A. Pelaia G. Omalizumab, the first available antibody for biological treatment of severe asthma: More than a decade of real-life effectiveness Ther. Adv. Respir. Dis. 2018 12 1 16 10.1177/1753466618810192 PMC6236630 30400762
346. Novartis News Novartis Announces FDA Filing Acceptance of Xolair ® (Omalizumab) for Treatment of Nasal Polyps 2019 Available online: https://www.novartis.com/us-en/news/media-releases/novartis-announces-fda-filing-acceptance-xolair-omalizumab-treatment-nasal-polyps-0 (accessed on 21 October 2025)
347. Sheldon E. Schwickart M. Li J. Kim K. Crouch S. Parveen S. Kell C. Birrell C. Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety of MEDI4212, an anti-IgE monoclonal antibody, in subjects with atopy: A phase I study Adv. Ther. 2016 33 225 251 10.1007/s12325-016-0287-8 26843086
348. Cohen E.S. Dobson C.L. Käck H. Wang B. Sims D.A. Lloyd C.O. England E. Rees D.G. Guo H. Karagiannis S.N. A novel IgE-neutralizing antibody for the treatment of severe uncontrolled asthma mAbs 2014 6 755 763 10.4161/mabs.28394 PMC7098617 24583620
349. Aegerter H. Brightling C.E. Dunican E.M. Lambrecht B.N. Lugogo N.L. Newell J.D. Porsbjerg C. Svenningsen S. Clarke D. Lindsley A.W. Effectiveness of biologics for reducing occlusive mucus plugs in patients with severe asthma: A systematic review Respir. Res. 2026 27 69 10.1186/s12931-026-03501-z 41559746 PMC12906045
350. Nyborg A.C. Zacco A. Ettinger R. Jack Borrok M. Zhu J. Martin T. Woods R. Kiefer C. Bowen M.A. Suzanne Cohen E. Development of an antibody that neutralizes soluble IgE and eliminates IgE expressing B cells Cell. Mol. Immunol. 2016 13 391 400 25942513 10.1038/cmi.2015.19 PMC4856805
351. Gasser P. Tarchevskaya S.S. Guntern P. Brigger D. Ruppli R. Zbären N. Kleinboelting S. Heusser C. Jardetzky T.S. Eggel A. The mechanistic and functional profile of the therapeutic anti-IgE antibody ligelizumab differs from omalizumab Nat. Commun. 2020 11 165 10.1038/s41467-019-13815-w 31913280 PMC6949303
352. Arm J.P. Bottoli I. Skerjanec A. Floch D. Groenewegen A. Maahs S. Owen C.E. Jones I. Lowe P. Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and safety of QGE 031 (ligelizumab), a novel high-affinity anti-IgE antibody, in atopic subjects Clin. Exp. Allergy 2014 44 1371 1385 10.1111/cea.12400 25200415 PMC4278557
353. Maurer M. Ensina L.F. Gimenez-Arnau A.M. Sussman G. Hide M. Saini S. Grattan C. Fomina D. Rigopoulos D. Berard F. Efficacy and safety of ligelizumab in adults and adolescents with chronic spontaneous urticaria: Results of two phase 3 randomised controlled trials Lancet 2024 403 147 159 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)01684-7 38008109
354. Staubach P. Alvaro-Lozano M. Sekerel B.E. Maurer M. Ben-Shoshan M. Porter M. Hua E. Ji Y. Burciu A. Savelieva M. Ligelizumab in adolescents with chronic spontaneous urticaria: Results of a dedicated phase 2b randomized clinical trial supported with pharmacometric analysis Pediatr. Allergy Immunol. 2023 34 e13982 10.1111/pai.13982 37492920
355. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03580369 . A Phase III Study of Safety and Efficacy of Ligelizumab in the Treatment of CSU in Adolescents and Adults Inadequately Controlled with H1-Antihistamines 2023 Available online: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03580369 (accessed on 21 October 2025)
356. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03580356 . A Phase III Study of and Efficacy of Ligelizumab in the Treatment of CSU in Adolescents and Adults Inadequately Controlled with H1-Antihistamines 2025 Available online: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03580356 (accessed on 21 October 2025)
357. Novartis News Novartis Ligelizumab (QGE031) Receives FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation for Patients with Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria (CIU) 2021 Available online: https://www.novartis.com/us-en/news/media-releases/novartis-ligelizumab-qge031-receives-fda-breakthrough-therapy-designation-patients-chronic-idiopathic-urticaria-ciu (accessed on 21 October 2025)
358. Brightbill H.D. Lin Y.L. Lin Z. Tan M. Meng Y.G. Balazs M. Chung S. Wu L.C. Quilizumab is an afucosylated humanized anti-M1 prime therapeutic antibody Clin. Anti-Inflamm. Anti-Allergy Drugs 2014 1 24 31 10.2174/22127038114019990003
359. Gauvreau G.M. Harris J.M. Boulet L.-P. Scheerens H. Fitzgerald J.M. Putnam W.S. Cockcroft D.W. Davis B.E. Leigh R. Zheng Y. Targeting membrane-expressed IgE B cell receptor with an antibody to the M1 prime epitope reduces IgE production Sci. Transl. Med. 2014 6 243ra285 10.1126/scitranslmed.3008961 24990880
360. Harris J.M. Maciuca R. Bradley M.S. Cabanski C.R. Scheerens H. Lim J. Cai F. Kishnani M. Liao X.C. Samineni D. A randomized trial of the efficacy and safety of quilizumab in adults with inadequately controlled allergic asthma Respir. Res. 2016 17 29 10.1186/s12931-016-0347-2 26993628 PMC4797126
361. Ciprandi G. Marseglia G.L. Castagnoli R. Valseechi C. Tagliacarne C. Caimmi S. Licari A. From IgE to clinical trials of allergic rhinitis Expert Rev. Clin. Immunol. 2015 11 1321 10.1586/1744666x.2015.1086645 26358006
362. Drug Profile Quilizumab Available online: https://adisinsight.springer.com/drugs/800032472?utm (accessed on 1 October 2025)
363. Jiang Z. Zou Y. Li G. Zhao S. Zhang W. Comparisons of infection events associated with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors in patients with inflammatory arthritis: A systematic review and network meta-analysis Front. Pharmacol. 2024 15 1376262 10.3389/fphar.2024.1376262 39070789 PMC11273365
364. Sendaydiego X. Gold L.S. Dubreuil M. Andrews J.S. Reid P. Liew D.F. Goulabchand R. Singh A.G. Hughes G.C. Pioro M. Use of biologic or targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and cancer risk JAMA Netw. Open 2024 7 e2446336 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.46336 39565623 PMC11579790
365. Ytterberg S.R. Bhatt D.L. Mikuls T.R. Koch G.G. Fleischmann R. Rivas J.L. Germino R. Menon S. Sun Y. Wang C. Cardiovascular and Cancer Risk with Tofacitinib in Rheumatoid Arthritis N. Engl. J. Med. 2022 386 316 326 10.1056/NEJMoa2109927 35081280
366. Ridker P.M. MacFadyen J.G. Thuren T. Everett B.M. Libby P. Glynn R.J. Ridker P. Lorenzatti A. Krum H. Varigos J. Effect of interleukin-1β inhibition with canakinumab on incident lung cancer in patients with atherosclerosis: Exploratory results from a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial Lancet 2017 390 1833 1842 10.1016/s0140-6736(17)32247-x 28855077
367. Novartis Novartis Provides Update on Phase III CANOPY—A Study Evaluating Canakinumab as Adjuvant Treatment in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer 2022 Available online: https://www.novartis.com/news/media-releases/novartis-provides-update-phase-iii-canopy-study-evaluating-canakinumab-adjuvant-treatment-non-small-cell-lung-cancer (accessed on 23 July 2026)
368. Burmester G.R. Choy E. Kivitz A. Ogata A. Bao M. Nomura A. Lacey S. Pei J. Reiss W. Pethoe-Schramm A. Low immunogenicity of tocilizumab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis Ann. Rheum. Dis. 2017 76 1078 1085 10.1136/annrheumdis-2016-210297 28007755
369. Sigaux J. Hamze M. Daien C. Morel J. Krzysiek R. Pallardy M. Maillere B. Mariette X. Miceli-Richard C. Immunogenicity of tocilizumab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis Jt. Bone Spine 2017 84 39 45 10.1016/j.jbspin.2016.04.013 27369643
370. Devlin M. Swayne A. Newman M. O’Gorman C. Brown H. Ong B. Robertson T. Airey C. Blum S. A case of immune-mediated encephalitis related to daclizumab therapy Mult. Scler. J. 2019 25 750 753 10.1177/1352458518792403 30073905
371. Jeffrey S. FDA Steps in to Manage Withdrawal of MS Drug Daclizumab (Zinbryta) Medscape Medical News 14 March 2018
372. Fernandez C.A. Pharmacological strategies for mitigating anti-TNF biologic immunogenicity in rheumatoid arthritis patients Curr. Opin. Pharmacol. 2023 68 102320 10.1016/j.coph.2022.102320 36580770 PMC10540078
373. Alanazi J. Aleanizy F.S. Alqahtani F.Y. Nanotechnology Approaches for Mitigating Biologic Immunogenicity: A Literature Review Pharmaceutics 2025 17 888 10.3390/pharmaceutics17070888 40733097 PMC12300374
374. Naser-Tavakolian A. Heard J.R. Ahdoot M. Biologics Translational Urology Elsevier Amsterdam, The Netherlands 2025 355 360
375. Kang M.-J. Lee Y.-H. Lee J. Etanercept-induced systemic lupus erythematosus in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis J. Korean Med. Sci. 2006 21 946 949 10.3346/jkms.2006.21.5.946 17043436 PMC2722012
376. Swale V. Perrett C. Denton C. Black C. Rustin M. Etanercept-induced systemic lupus erythematosus Clin. Exp. Dermatol. 2003 28 604 607 10.1046/j.1365-2230.2003.01411.x 14616825
377. Schwab N. Ulzheimer J. Fox R. Schneider-Hohendorf T. Kieseier B.C. Monoranu C.-M. Staugaitis S. Welch W. Jilek S. Du Pasquier R.A. Fatal PML associated with efalizumab therapy: Insights into integrin αLβ2 in JC virus control Neurology 2012 78 458 467 10.1212/wnl.0b013e3182478d4b 22302546 PMC3280052
378. Tavazzi E. Ferrante P. Khalili K. Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy: An unexpected complication of modern therapeutic monoclonal antibody therapies Clin. Microbiol. Infect. 2011 17 1776 1780 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2011.03653.x 22082208 PMC4659503
379. Gossec L. Kerschbaumer A. Ferreira R.J. Aletaha D. Baraliakos X. Bertheussen H. Boehncke W.-H. Esbensen B.A. McInnes I.B. McGonagle D. EULAR recommendations for the management of psoriatic arthritis with pharmacological therapies: 2023 update Ann. Rheum. Dis. 2024 83 706 719 10.1136/ard-2024-225531 38499325 PMC11103320
380. Smolen J.S. Landewé R.B. Bergstra S.A. Kerschbaumer A. Sepriano A. Aletaha D. Caporali R. Edwards C.J. Hyrich K.L. Pope J.E. EULAR recommendations for the management of rheumatoid arthritis with synthetic and biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs: 2022 update Ann. Rheum. Dis. 2023 82 3 18 10.1136/ard-2022-223356 36357155
381. Feuerstein J.D. Ho E.Y. Shmidt E. Singh H. Falck-Ytter Y. Sultan S. Terdiman J.P. Sultan S. Cohen B.L. Chachu K. AGA clinical practice guidelines on the medical management of moderate to severe luminal and perianal fistulizing Crohn’s disease Gastroenterology 2021 160 2496 2508 10.1053/j.gastro.2021.04.022 34051983 PMC8988893
382. Gordon H. Minozzi S. Kopylov U. Verstockt B. Chaparro M. Buskens C. Warusavitarne J. Agrawal M. Allocca M. Atreya R. ECCO guidelines on therapeutics in Crohn’s disease: Medical treatment J. Crohn’s Colitis 2024 18 1531 1555 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjae091 38877997
383. Fraenkel L. Bathon J.M. England B.R. St. Clair E.W. Arayssi T. Carandang K. Deane K.D. Genovese M. Huston K.K. Kerr G. 2021 American College of Rheumatology guideline for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis Arthritis Rheumatol. 2021 73 1108 1123 10.1002/art.41752 34101376
384. Battat R. Dulai P.S. Jairath V. Vande Casteele N. A product review of vedolizumab in inflammatory bowel disease Hum. Vaccines Immunother. 2019 15 2482 2490 10.1080/21645515.2019.1591139 PMC6816403 30897022
385. Kang E.H. Jin Y. Brill G. Lewey J. Patorno E. Desai R.J. Kim S.C. Comparative cardiovascular risk of abatacept and tumor necrosis factor inhibitors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis with and without diabetes mellitus: A multidatabase cohort study J. Am. Heart Assoc. 2018 7 e007393 10.1161/jaha.117.007393 29367417 PMC5850244
386. Johnson J.A. Biologics and Biosimilars: Background and Key Issues 2016 Available online: https://www.everycrsreport.com/reports/R44620.html (accessed on 21 October 2025)
387. McKinnon R.A. Cook M. Liauw W. Marabani M. Marschner I.C. Packer N.H. Prins J.B. Biosimilarity and Interchangeability: Principles and Evidence: A Systematic Review BioDrugs 2018 32 27 52 10.1007/s40259-017-0256-z 29344876 PMC5814534
388. European Biomedicines Agency Biosimilar Medicines Can Be Interchanged 2022 Available online: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/biosimilar-medicines-can-be-interchanged (accessed on 22 July 2026)
389. Samy P.J. Mouslim M.C. Bennett C.L. Trujillo A.J. Regulatory Requirements for Interchangeable Biosimilar Designation Ther. Innov. Regul. Sci. 2026 60 346 348 10.1007/s43441-025-00897-6 41243076 PMC12945884
390. Herndon T.M. Ausin C. Brahme N.N. Schrieber S.J. Luo M. Andrada F.C. Kim C. Sun W. Zhou L. Grosser S. Safety outcomes when switching between biosimilars and reference biologics: A systematic review and meta-analysis PLoS ONE 2023 18 e0292231 10.1371/journal.pone.0292231 37788264 PMC10547155
391. U.S. Food & Drug FDA Updates Guidance on Interchangeability FDA Paris, France 2024
392. Araújo F.C. Gonçalves J. Fonseca J.E. Pharmacoeconomics of Biosimilars: What Is There to Gain from Them? Curr. Rheumatol. Rep. 2016 18 50 10.1007/s11926-016-0601-0 27402107
393. Rieger C. Dean J.A. Hall L. Vasquez P. Merlo G. Barriers and Enablers Affecting the Uptake of Biosimilar Medicines Viewed Through the Lens of Actor Network Theory: A Systematic Review BioDrugs 2024 38 541 555 10.1007/s40259-024-00659-0 38879730 PMC11247062
394. Alqawasmeh K.A. Mason T. Morris A. Hafez W. Hasan T. Taher S. Al Dweik R. Facilitators and barriers to generic and biosimilar medications in the Middle East and North Africa: Insights from physicians and pharmacists—A systematic review Eur. J. Clin. Pharmacol. 2025 81 647 665 10.1007/s00228-025-03819-5 40085198 PMC12003508
395. Onoue S. Yamada K. Sato H. Inhaled Biologics: Overcoming Challenges and Recent Advances Chem. Pharm. Bull. 2026 74 18 27 10.1248/cpb.c25-00552 41485887