Improving care for people with lupus: temporary withholding of immunosuppressant

Mycophenolate is an immunosuppressant that is widely used as a treatment for lupus, also known as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It targets immune cell functions, reducing systemic or organ-related inflammation and damage.

The benefits of using mycophenolate need to be carefully balanced against unintended side effects, such as increased risk of infection or blunting of vaccine responses. We're currently testing whether temporarily withdrawing mycophenolate can allow for the immune system to recover and improve responses to vaccines or infections.

Objective

To determine if temporarily withdrawing specific immunosuppressants can enhance vaccine immune responses in people with lupus.

Timeline

2023–ongoing.

Approach

In collaboration with clinicians at Monash Health, we're performing an intervention study to test if withdrawal of mycophenolate for 2 weeks improves immune responses to seasonal influenza vaccination compared to people with lupus who remain on mycophenolate. Our team will measure serological and cellular responses to seasonal influenza vaccinations. 

Community impact

Immunogenicity and safety of vaccination in people with lupus have been of significant interest to clinicians, but limited data is available.

We anticipate that people with lupus who've had temporary interruption of immunosuppression will have improved antibody responses. The findings from this study will be used to develop new evidence-based guidelines to improve clinical care of people with lupus.