title: Epratuzumab (humanised anti-CD22 antibody) in autoimmune diseases.
abstract: B cells play an important role in the pathogenesis of many autoimmune diseases. Different approaches targeting the B cell compartment are under investigation. Selective modulation of B cells has been recently achieved using a humanised monoclonal antibody against the B cell surface marker CD22. This antibody (epratuzumab) was originally developed for the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and was found to be effective, with a very good safety profile. Recent studies have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of epratuzumab in several autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus and primary Sjögren's syndrome.
authors.affiliation: Erasme University Hospital, Department of Rheumatology, Route de Lennik 808, Brussels 1070, Belgium. ssteinfe@ulb.ac.be
authors.forename: Serge D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Steinfeld
authors.forename: Pierre
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Youinou
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004347:Drug Interactions; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D008228:Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D051918:Sialic Acid Binding Ig-like Lectin 2 / Q000276:immunology*; D012859:Sjogren's Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D051918:Sialic Acid Binding Ig-like Lectin 2; C448700:epratuzumab