Does B cell depletion have a role to play in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus?
B cell dysfunction and pathogenic autoantibody formation are thought to be critical in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In this review we will summarize the results of attempts to utilize B cell depletion, based on the use of a chimeric monoclonal antibody (MAb) specific for human CD20, rituximab, for the treatment of patients with SLE.
Gorman
C
C
Centre for Rheumatology, The Middlesex Hospital, University College London, UK.
Leandro
M
M
Isenberg
D
D
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000379:methods; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy*; D008212:Lymphocyte Depletion; D000069283:Rituximab
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D000069283:Rituximab