Transplant

Mouse studies suggest inhibiting CXCL13, CD40L and ICOSLG, which play roles in B cell maturation and activation, could help treat antibody-mediated lung transplant rejection. In a mouse model of antibody-mediated lung transplant rejection, an anti-CXCL13 mAb prevented graft rejection and decreased airway epithelium damage compared with a control IgG. Also in the model, an anti-CD40L mAb in combination with an anti-ICOSLG mAb decreased peribronchial and perivascular collagen deposition and airway epithelium damage compared with no treatment. Next steps could include identifying and testing CXCL13, CD40L and ICOSLG inhibitors in larger animal models of antibody-mediated lung transplant rejection.

Biogen Inc., Nektar Therapeutics Inc. and UCB S.A. have dapirolizumab pegol, a Fab antibody targeting CD40L, in Phase II testing for lupus...