Rheumatoid Arthritis Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Rheumatoid Arthritis, including details on treatment, symptoms, causes, medication.

B cell depletion therapy in systemic rheumatic diseases: different strokes for different folks?

Stohl W, Looney RJ

Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, 2011 Zonal Avenue HMR 711, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA. stohl@usc.edu

Autoantibodies have, until recently, been the overriding focus of investigators of autoantibody-associated diseases. Increasing attention is now being paid to B cells, which not only are the producers of autoantibodies but also contribute to autoimmune disease via autoantibody-independent mechanisms. Therapeutic measures that target B cells for depletion are gaining in popularity. In this review, we will focus on two distinct approaches of depleting B cells; one employing a direct-kill approach by engagement of B cell surface CD20 with an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (rituximab), and the other employing an indirect starvation approach by neutralization of B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS), a potent B cell survival factor. Among the systemic immune-based rheumatic disorders, we will focus on rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, two disorders for which therapeutic B cell targeting is being intensely investigated.

Published 22 September 2006 in Clin Immunol, 121(1): 1-12.
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