[Novel B-cell directed strategies for the treatment of rheumatic diseases].
The clinical success of B-cell depletion using the anti-CD20 antibody rituximab has sparked a new era in the therapy of rheumatic diseases. A large variety of novel B-cell directed biologic agents has been developed recently. The new strategies not only aim at depleting B-cells (ocrelizumab, veltuzumab, ofatumumab, TRU-015) but also target essential survival and proliferation factors such as BAFF (belimumab, atacicept, briobacept), and are directed at modulating B-cell function via CD22 (epratuzumab), inhibition of costimulation (abatacept) and induction of tolerance (abetimus). Thus far, clinical trials indicate high efficacy comparable to rituximab as well as a good safety profile. This review summarizes the therapeutic mechanisms of the novel B-cell directed agents and the current status of clinical trials in rheumatic diseases.
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Lehrstuhl für Innere Medizin mit Schwerpunkt Rheumatologie, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Abteilung für Rheumatologie und klinische Immunologie, Kerckhoff-Klinik, Bad Nauheim. ingo.h.tarner@innere.med.uni-giessen.de
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D012216:Rheumatic Diseases / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal