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Checkpoint Molecules in Rheumatology—or the Benefits of Being Exhausted

  • Pediatric Rheumatology (S Ozen, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Rheumatology Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

This review will focus on the most common co-inhibitory molecules, emphasizing the importance of these in relation to rheumatic disease.

Recent Findings

Checkpoint molecules are pivotal in determining the outcome of antigen activation. Checkpoint molecules consist of co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory molecules, where the first activates and the latter inhibits the antigen presentation process. Studies show that increased activity of co-inhibitory molecules is associated with a good prognosis in rheumatic diseases. Opposite, when cancer patients are treated with antibodies blocking the inhibitory pathways, autoimmune diseases, including arthritis, develop as immune-related adverse events (IrAE). This emphasizes the importance of these pathways in autoimmune disease.

Summary

Co-inhibitory molecules are becoming increasingly interesting as future treatment targets in rheumatic conditions. Treatments with antibodies blocking these pathways result in IrAE, often manifesting as autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Therefore, a need to get acquainted with these molecules is growing so we can cope with future challenges in rheumatic diseases.

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  1. Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Skou-building, C.F. Møllers Alle 6, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark

    Stinne Ravn Greisen & Bent Deleuran

  2. Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark

    Stinne Ravn Greisen & Bent Deleuran

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Greisen, S.R., Deleuran, B. Checkpoint Molecules in Rheumatology—or the Benefits of Being Exhausted. Curr Rheumatol Rep 23, 22 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-021-00991-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-021-00991-2

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