title: [B-cell-targeted therapy in the treatment of autoimmune diseases].
abstract: In recent years a growing body of evidence suggests a more central role for B-cells in the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases, apart from being the precursors of autoantibody-producing plasma cells. B-lymphocytes play an important role in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune diseases. In particular, the introduction of rituximab, a depleting antibody targeting CD20+ B cells and its clinical efficacy in rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, vasculitis and multiple sclerosis has stimulated further B-cell-targeted therapies. Other biologicals targeting CD20 are under clinical investigation. New strategies include targeting further B-cell surface markers such as CD22, as well as blocking B-cell-activating factors or their receptors.
authors.affiliation: Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik II, Schwerpunkt Rheumatologie/Klinische Immunologie, Universität Würzburg, Klinikstr. 6, 97070, Würzburg, Deutschland. roll_p@klinik.uni-wuerzburg.de
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Roll
authors.forename: H-P
authors.initials: HP
authors.lastname: Tony
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D018951:Antigens, CD20 / Q000276:immunology*; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology; D001688:Biological Products / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D006801:Humans; D018655:Lymphocyte Count; D008233:Lymphotoxin-alpha / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D000069283:Rituximab; D051918:Sialic Acid Binding Ig-like Lectin 2 / Q000276:immunology; D051193:Toll-Like Receptors / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D018951:Antigens, CD20; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D001688:Biological Products; D008233:Lymphotoxin-alpha; D051918:Sialic Acid Binding Ig-like Lectin 2; D051193:Toll-Like Receptors; D000069283:Rituximab; C511911:belimumab