B-cell depletion in autoimmune diseases. Advances in autoimmunity

Autoimmun Rev. 2009 Jun;8(7):585-90. doi: 10.1016/j.autrev.2009.02.003. Epub 2009 Feb 10.

Abstract

B cells play an important role in the pathogenesis of the autoimmune diseases. New advances in biological therapy provided a correct way in the management of these pathologies. Depletion of B cells with monoclonal antibodies reach an important place in the control of the diseases. I will present our experience with rituximab in the treatment of 131 patients with different autoimmune conditions, and conclude that this kind of therapy is safe, effective and constitutes a big step in the control of the majority of patients in which humoral response were aberrant. It is one of the many avenues that will allow to have a better future in the assessment and treatment of autoimmune diseases.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Antirheumatic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / immunology
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / therapy
  • Autoimmune Diseases / immunology
  • Autoimmune Diseases / therapy*
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Factors / therapeutic use
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / immunology
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / therapy
  • Lymphocyte Depletion*
  • Male
  • Rituximab
  • Sjogren's Syndrome / immunology
  • Sjogren's Syndrome / therapy
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • Immunologic Factors
  • Rituximab