Belimumab reduces autoantibodies, normalizes low complement levels, and reduces select B cell populations in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Objective To assess the effects of the B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS)–specific inhibitor belimumab on immunologic biomarkers, including B cell and T cell populations, and maintenance of antibody titers to prior vaccines in autoantibody‐positive systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Methods Pooled data from 2 phase III trials, the Study of Belimumab in Subjects with SLE 52‐week (BLISS‐52) and 76‐week (BLISS‐76) trials, comparing belimumab...