B-cell-targeted therapies in systemic lupus erythematosus

Autoreactive B cells are one of the key immune cells that have been implicated in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus （SLE）. In addition to the production of harmful auto-antibodies （auto-Abs）, B cells prime autoreactive T cells as antigen-presenting cells and secrete a wide range of pro-inflammatory cytokines that have both autocrine and paracrine effects. Agents that modulate B cells may therefore be of potential therapeutic value. Current strategies include targeting B-cell surface antigens, cytokines that promote B-cell growth and functions, and B- and T-cell interactions. In this article, we review the role of B cells in SLE in animal and human studies, and we examine previous reports that support B-cell modulation as a promising strategy for the treatment of this condition. In addition, we present an update on the clinical trials that have evaluated the therapeutic efficacy and safety of agents that antagonize CD20, CD22 and B-lymphocyte stimulator （BLyS） in human SLE. While the results of many of these studies remain inconclusive, belimumab, a human monoclonal antibody against BLyS, has shown promise and has recently been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as an indicated therapy for patients with mild to moderate SLE. Undoubtedly, advances in B-cell immunology will continue to lead us to a better understanding of SLE pathogenesis and the development of novel specific therapies that target B cells.

Aptamer-based strategies against SARS-CoV-2 viruses

The COVID-19 pandemic,caused by SARS-CoV-2,has seriously threatened human life and security in recent years and has had a serious impact on economic development.A range of strategies,including antibodies,smallmolecule agents and vaccines,have been developed and widely used to combat SARS-CoV-2.However,the uncertain development and susceptibility to mutation of SARS-CoV-2 pose challenges to these approaches,making it necessary to develop a broader range of strategies to complement and expand the diversity of attacks against SARS-CoV-2.As promising tools against SARSCoV-2,aptamers have attracted wide attention due to their unique molecular properties.In this review,we survey SARS-CoV-2 aptamers and aptamer-based detection tools as well as aptamer-based therapeutics.In addition,we analyze the potential value of aptamers in the investigation of SARS-CoV-2 infection mechanism and vaccine design.Finally,we look forward to the future development direction of aptamers against SARS-CoV-2 or other viruses.