SLE - Rituximab in lupus.
B cells are essential to the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The chimeric monoclonal antibody rituximab depletes B cells by targeting the pan-B-cell surface marker CD20. Preliminary experience with this agent in SLE and other autoimmune diseases has been encouraging. Controlled trials in SLE will be necessary to determine whether rituximab is useful therapy in this disease, and will teach us more about the roles of B cells in its pathogenesis.
Eisenberg
Robert
R
Division of Rheumatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. raemd@mail.med.upenn.edu
D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D008212:Lymphocyte Depletion; D051379:Mice; D000069283:Rituximab
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D000069283:Rituximab