Targeting B cells in systemic lupus erythematosus: not just déjà vu all over again.
Epratuzumab (anti-CD22) is a humanized monoclonal antibody that recognizes a pan-B-cell marker. It potentially downregulates B cell activity through negative signaling, as well as depleting B cells moderately. The uncontrolled series discussed by Dörner and colleagues in this issue of Arthritis Research & Therapy suggests that epratuzumab may be safe and efficacious for systemic lupus erythematosus. A randomized controlled trial is currently active to test this possibility.
Eisenberg
Robert
R
Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine, 756 BRBII/III, 421 Curie Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6160, USA. raemd@mail.med.upenn.edu
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D051918:Sialic Acid Binding Ig-like Lectin 2 / Q000276:immunology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D051918:Sialic Acid Binding Ig-like Lectin 2; C448700:epratuzumab