B cell depletion in systemic lupus erythematosus.

摘要

In the last 8-9 years B cell depletion based on the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab has been used to treat a wide range of autoantibody-associated autoimmune diseases (Table 1). Open prospective trials and case reports have shown substantial benefit for rituximab in the treatment of patients refractory to standard therapies in most of these diseases with a generally good safety profile. However, not every patient with every disease has responded. Results suggest that there is different susceptibility to B cell depletion for different diseases and probably variation in the optimal protocol. The use of rituximab has generated considerable interest in the development of other B cell targeting strategies for treating autoimmune diseases.