Identification of biomarkers to stratify response to B-cell-targeted therapies in systemic lupus erythematosus: an exploratory analysis of a randomised controlled trial.

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease associated with widespread immune dysregulation and diverse clinical features. Immune abnormalities might be differentially associated with specific organ involvement or response to targeted therapies. We aimed to identify biomarkers of response to belimumab after rituximab to facilitate a personalised approach to therapy.