title: B-cell depletion and repopulation in autoimmune diseases.
abstract: Although T-lymphocytes have long been regarded as the prime effector of autoimmune diseases, numerous studies have since highlighted a key role for B-lymphocytes. For example, disturbances in the distribution of circulating B-cell subsets were reported in primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Consequently, this was the rationale to treat such patients for B-cell depletion with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (rituximab). The aim of this review is to describe and analyze the B-cell subset distribution at baseline and after rituximab therapy in patients with SLE, rheumatoid arthritis, and pSS. Finally, we will compare factors that may interfere with anti-CD20-mediated B-cell depletion in these autoimmune diseases.
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunopathology, Brest University Medical School, Brest, France.
authors.forename: Jacques-Olivier
authors.initials: JO
authors.lastname: Pers
authors.forename: Capucine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Daridon
authors.forename: Boutahar
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Bendaoud
authors.forename: Valérie
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Devauchelle
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Berthou
authors.forename: Alain
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Saraux
authors.forename: Pierre
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Youinou
mesh_terms: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008212:Lymphocyte Depletion; D000069283:Rituximab; D012859:Sjogren's Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D000069283:Rituximab