Targeting B lymphocytes as therapy for ANCA-associated vasculitis.
This article focuses on the initial results achieved with the more selective immunosuppressive approach of B-lymphocyte depletion in patients who fail cyclophosphamide or have contraindications for its use in the treatment of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV). This novel approach has sparked hope for patients and physicians in their search for effective, well-tolerated therapy for AAV. B-cell depletion is now undergoing rigorous investigation in randomized clinical trials.
Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic Foundation, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Jason M
JM
Golbin
Ulrich
U
Specks
D019268:Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D053264:B-Cell Activating Factor / Q000187:drug effects; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology; D015267:Churg-Strauss Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D014890:Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D000069283:Rituximab; D014657:Vasculitis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology
D019268:Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D053264:B-Cell Activating Factor; C448700:epratuzumab; D000069283:Rituximab