title: The B cell in systemic lupus erythaematosus: a rational target for more effective therapy.
abstract: Current treatment options for systemic lupus erythaematosus (SLE) are diverse and poorly defined, and aggressive therapy can be associated with serious toxicity and tolerability issues. There is, therefore, a need for new and improved treatments to be studied thoroughly in well-designed controlled trials. B Cell dysfunction has emerged as a key pathophysiological component of SLE and is a prime target for the development of new agents for a wide range of lupus severity, including advanced disease. Although many current drugs appear to modify B cell function, the advent of new, targeted therapies offers the hope of improved efficacy and a better long-term tolerability profile.
authors.affiliation: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California 90048, USA.
authors.forename: C B
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Driver
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ishimori
authors.forename: M H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Weisman
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000187:drug effects; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology*; D008212:Lymphocyte Depletion / Q000379:methods; D051379:Mice
chemical_list: D015703:Antigens, CD; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents