Workshop report on some new ideas about the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus

Our increased understanding of the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus is leading to new ideas about its therapy. In this session of the workshop the use of LJP 394 a B cell toleragen and the use of an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody were discussed in some detail. Their rationale and early clinical results were reviewed; both have shown encouraging clinical and serological benefit. Definitive double-blind clinical trials are still, however, awaited. In addition, the intriguing notion of using a nasal instillation of a histone peptide was described and early work in an experimental model presented.