title: B-cell depletion with rituximab: a promising treatment for diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis.
abstract: Recent preclinical and clinical studies lend support to the notion that B-cell depletion is a promising therapeutic target in patients with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis. A recent open-label trial provides further evidence showing marked effects of rituximab treatment on skin thickening, functional ability, and disease activity in conjunction with effects on lesional and circulating B cells and on interleukin-6 and BAFF (B-cell activating factor of tumor necrosis factor family). The excellent safety profile of rituximab in this and other trials warrants further well-designed clinical trials in larger patient groups combined with comprehensive biomarker studies.
authors.forename: Jacob M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: van Laar
mesh_terms: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008212:Lymphocyte Depletion; D020127:Recovery of Function; D000069283:Rituximab; D045743:Scleroderma, Diffuse / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D000069283:Rituximab