title: Targeting B cells in treatment of autoimmunity.
abstract: B cells have emerged as effective targets for therapeutic intervention in autoimmunities in which the ultimate effectors are antibodies, as well as those in which T cells are primary drivers of inflammation. Proof of this principle has come primarily from studies of the efficacy of Rituximab, an anti-CD20 mAb that depletes B cells, in various autoimmune settings. These successes have inspired efforts to develop more effective anti-CD20s tailored for specific needs, as well as biologicals and small molecules that suppress B cell function without the risks inherent in B cell depletion. Here we review the current status of B cell-targeted therapies for autoimmunity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, CO, USA.
authors.forename: S Elizabeth
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Franks
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, CO, USA; Department of Biomedical Research, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, USA.
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Getahun
authors.affiliation: Centre for Biomedicine, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia; Department of Immunology, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia; Department of Pathology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.
authors.forename: P Mark
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Hogarth
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, CO, USA; Department of Biomedical Research, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, USA. Electronic address: John.Cambier@ucdenver.edu.
authors.forename: John C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Cambier
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D015551:Autoimmunity; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D008212:Lymphocyte Depletion; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy; D057285:Precision Medicine; D000069283:Rituximab / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015398:Signal Transduction
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000069283:Rituximab