TNF-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK), a member of the TNF superfamily, is a prominent inducer of proinflammatory cytokines in vitro and in vivo. We previously found that kidney cells display the TWEAK receptor Fn14, and that TWEAK stimulation of mesangial cells and podocytes induces a potent proinflammatory response. Several of the cytokines up-regulated in the kidney in response to TWEAK are instrumental in Lupus nephritis; we therefore hypothesized that TWEAK/Fn14 interactions may be important in the cascade(s) leading to renal damage in systemic Lupus erythematosus. In this study, we analyzed the effects of Fn14 deficiency in the chronic graft-vs-host model of SLE, and the benefits of treatment with an anti-TWEAK mAb in this mouse model. We found that anti-nuclear Ab titers were no different between C57BL/6 Fn14 wild-type and deficient mice injected with alloreactive bm12 splenocytes. However, kidney disease was significantly less severe in Fn14 knockout mice. Furthermore, kidney IgG deposition, IL-6, MCP-1, RANTES, and IP-10, as well as macrophage infiltration, were significantly decreased in Fn14-deficient mice with induced lupus. Similarly, mice with induced Lupus treated with an anti-TWEAK neutralizing mAb had significantly diminished kidney expression of IL-6, MCP-1, IL-10, as well as proteinuria, but similar autoantibody titers, as compared with control-treated mice. We conclude that TWEAK is an important mediator of kidney damage that acts by promoting local inflammatory events, but without impacting adaptive immunity in this experimental LN model. Thus, TWEAK blockade may be a novel therapeutic approach to reduce renal damage in SLE.

These results indicate a relationship between PK, target engagement and PD, suggesting a selective inhibition of recruitment of CCR6 cells by GSK3050002 and support further development of GSK3050002 in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

GSK2374697 is a genetically engineered fusion protein of a human domain antibody to exendin-4. This molecule binds with a high affinity to human serum albumin, creating a long-duration glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. This study is the first evaluation of the albumin-binding domain antibody (AlbudAb) drug delivery platform in humans. The aim of this randomized clinical study was to determine the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety, and tolerability of GSK2374697. The pharmacokinetic profile was prolonged, with estimated half-lives ranging from 6 to 10 days. Postprandial glucose and insulin were reduced, and gastric emptying was delayed in healthy subjects, confirming anticipated GLP-1 receptor agonist pharmacology. The safety and tolerability were as expected for a potent GLP-1 agonist. Gradual titration of doses greatly improved tolerability. Rapid tolerance to nausea was observed. Study results support further investigation in type 2 diabetes and for weight loss.

The accelerated development of atherosclerosis with increased risk of cardiovascular disease in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients is not well understood. An appropriate mouse model would greatly help to understand the mechanisms of this association. We have therefore combined the ApoE -/-model of atherosclerosis with three different murine models of SLE. We found that induction of cGVH in B6.ApoE -/-mice, breeding a Fas null gene onto these B6/lpr.ApoE -/-mice, and breeding the ApoE -/-defect onto MRL/lpr mice all caused a modest increase of atherosclerosis at 24 weeks of age compared to B6.ApoE -/-controls. B cells in B6.ApoE -/-mice had certain phenotypic differences compared to congenic C57BL/6 mice, as indicated by high expression of MHC II, Fas, CD86, and by increased number of cells bearing marginal-zone phenotype. Furthermore, B6ApoE -/-mice had significant titers of anti-oxLDL and anti-cardiolipin autoantibodies compared to their B6 counterparts. Our studies also indicate that, following induction of cGVH, marginal zone B cells in B6.ApoE -/-are depleted, and there is considerable increase in anti-oxLDL and anticardiolipin abs along with secretion of lupus-specific autoantibodies, such as anti-dsDNA and antichromatin abs. Histological sections showed that cGVH and/or Fas deficiency could exacerbate atherosclerosis. The production of anti-oxLDL and anti-cardiolipin in ApoE -/-mice was also increased. These observations define a connection between induction of lupus-like symptoms and development of severe atherosclerosis in apoE deficient lupus mouse models.