New treatments of ANCA-associated vasculitis: An overview

We provide an overview of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmatic auto antibodies (ANCA)-associated vasculitis, in which we present the most recent information regarding different forms of vasculitis, with a specific focus on ANCA-associated small vessel vasculitis. After examining the role of ANCA in the development of ANCA-associated vasculitides, the standard treatment strategies and a number of new possible treatments---rituximab, TNF-alpha antagonists, and endoglycosidase---are detailed, along with their benefits and drawbacks. We argue that rituximab is a suitable alternative to standard therapy, while studies and treatments involving TNF-alpha antagonists, especially etanercept, seem less convincing. Although research into the workings and effects of endoglycosidase are still at an early stage, using EndoS may well be an effective new strategy in treating ANCA-associated vasculitis and other (auto) antibody-mediated diseases.