title: B cell-ablative therapy: where are we now?
abstract: Based on their multifaceted functions, B cells participate in several pathological settings such as lymphoproliferative disorders, autoimmune diseases and graft rejection. B cell-ablative therapy has thus emerged as a mainstay in these diseases. A number of anti-B cell antibodies (Abs) have been generated, among which anti-CD20 Abs appear to be efficient. Rituximab (RTX) is one of these anti-CD20 monoclonal Abs. Originally approved for the treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, RTX is now being administered in other malignant proliferations, applied to an increasing number of autoimmune diseases and required to prevent rejection of a graft. Although this medication is remarkably safe, a handful of laboratory tests have been proposed to monitor RTX-treated patients. The efficacy in different diseases, and the emergence of new anti-CD20 Abs raise many questions. Thus, their detailed understanding can lead to a better issue for inhibition of immune responses.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bordron
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mankaï
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Bendaoud
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Saraux
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Devauchelle
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Ghedira
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Jamin
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Pers
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Berthou
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Youinou
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D018951:Antigens, CD20 / Q000276:immunology; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology*; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D000069283:Rituximab
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D018951:Antigens, CD20; D000069283:Rituximab