A longitudinal analysis of SLE patients treated with rituximab (anti-CD20): factors associated with B lymphocyte recovery.
Identifying factors associated with B lymphocyte depletion and recovery may aid the development of individualized treatment regimens, optimizing therapy for patients with autoimmune disease. In this study, 12 patients with active SLE were monitored at baseline and monthly following treatment with rituximab. The number and phenotype of peripheral blood B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes and natural killer cells were correlated with the extent and longevity of B lymphocyte depletion. This analysis generated three candidate biomarkers for lymphocyte monitoring in patients with autoimmune disease who are treated with rituximab: circulating transitional B cells, the kappa:lambda ratio and natural killer cells. Further refinement of these potential biomarkers may lead to a better understanding of the role of B cells in disease pathogenesis and a more rational use of B cell depletion therapies.
Sutter
Jennifer A
JA
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 405B Stellar Chance Labs, 422 Curie Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Kwan-Morley
Jennifer
J
Dunham
Jon
J
Du
Yang-Zhu
YZ
Kamoun
Malek
M
Albert
Daniel
D
Eisenberg
Robert A
RA
Luning Prak
Eline T
ET
D000328:Adult; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D018951:Antigens, CD20 / Q000276:immunology*; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology*; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D054448:Precursor Cells, B-Lymphoid / Q000276:immunology; D000069283:Rituximab; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D018951:Antigens, CD20; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D000069283:Rituximab