B Cell Kinetics upon Therapy Commencement for Active Extrarenal Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Relation to Development of Renal Flares: Results from Three Phase III Clinical Trials of Belimumab

Renal flares constitute major determinants of poor prognosis in people living with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The aim of the present study was to investigate changes in B cell subsets in relation to renal flares upon initiation of standard therapy (ST) plus belimumab or placebo in patients with SLE. Using data from the BLISS-76, BLISS-SC, and BLISS Northeast Asia trials, we investigated associations of relative to baseline rapid (through week 8) and early (through week 24) percentage changes in circulating CD19(+) B cell subsets characterised through flow cytometry, anti-dsDNA antibodies, and complement levels with the occurrence of renal flares over one year. Patients who developed renal flares showed more prominent rapid decreases in CD19(+)CD20(+)CD138(+) short-lived plasma cells (−50.4% vs. −16.7%; p = 0.019) and CD19(+)CD20(-)CD27(bright) plasmablasts (−50.0% vs. −29.9%; p = 0.020) compared to non-flaring patients, followed by a subsequent return. Less prominent rapid reductions in CD19(+)CD27(-)CD24(bright)CD38(bright) transitional B cells (−42.9% vs. −75.0%; p = 0.038) and CD19(+)CD20(-)CD138(+) peripheral long-lived plasma cells (−11.3% vs. −29.2%; p = 0.019) were seen in belimumab-treated—but not placebo-treated—patients who developed renal flares compared to belimumab-treated patients who did not. Rapid and early changes in anti-dsDNA or complement levels showed no clear association with renal flares. In summary, a rapid drop followed by a subsequent return in circulating short-lived plasma cells and plasmablasts upon treatment for active extra-renal SLE portended renal flares, indicating a need for therapeutic adjustments in patients showing such B cell patterns. Rapid decreases in transitional B cells and peripheral long-lived plasma cells upon belimumab therapy commencement may signify a greater protection against renal flares. B cell kinetics may prove useful in early drug evaluation.