Advances in Targeted Therapy for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Current Treatments and Novel Approaches

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with diverse clinical manifestations that can lead to severe organ damage. The complex pathophysiology of SLE makes treatment selection difficult. This review examines the current evidence for biological therapies in SLE, including the anti-B cell activating factor antibody belimumab; the type I interferon receptor antagonist anifrolumab; the novel calcineurin inhibitor voclosporin; and rituximab, which targets CD20 on B cells. We also describe emerging therapies, including novel agents in development and CD19-directed chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy, which has shown promise in early clinical experience. Recent advances in biomarker research, including interferon signatures and transcriptomic profiles, may facilitate patient stratification and treatment selection. This review offers insights into current and future treatment strategies for patients with SLE by analyzing clinical trial results and recent immunological findings.