title: Treatment of SLE with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody.
abstract: Systemic lupus erythemaotsus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease involving multiple organ systems and characterized by anti-nuclear antibodies. While T cells and dendritic cells may play major roles in SLE, several lines of evidence strongly suggest a central role for B cells. This article will review the role of B cells in human SLE as well as the currently available data on the treatment of SLE by depleting B cells with anti-CD20 (rituximab).
authors.affiliation: Allergy Immunology, Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA. john_looney@urmc.rochester.edu
authors.forename: R John
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Looney
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Anolik
authors.forename: Iñaki
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Sanz
mesh_terms: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D018951:Antigens, CD20 / Q000378:metabolism*; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000378:metabolism; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000209:etiology; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy*; D008212:Lymphocyte Depletion / Q000009:adverse effects; D010950:Plasma Cells / Q000276:immunology; D000069283:Rituximab
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D018951:Antigens, CD20; D001323:Autoantibodies; D000069283:Rituximab