Abstract
Although T-lymphocytes have long been regarded as the prime effector of autoimmune diseases, numerous studies have since highlighted a key role for B-lymphocytes. For example, disturbances in the distribution of circulating B-cell subsets were reported in primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Consequently, this was the rationale to treat such patients for B-cell depletion with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (rituximab). The aim of this review is to describe and analyze the B-cell subset distribution at baseline and after rituximab therapy in patients with SLE, rheumatoid arthritis, and pSS. Finally, we will compare factors that may interfere with anti-CD20-mediated B-cell depletion in these autoimmune diseases.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
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Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
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Arthritis, Rheumatoid / drug therapy
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Arthritis, Rheumatoid / immunology
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Arthritis, Rheumatoid / physiopathology
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Autoimmune Diseases* / drug therapy
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Autoimmune Diseases* / immunology
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Autoimmune Diseases* / physiopathology
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B-Lymphocytes / immunology*
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B-Lymphocytes / pathology*
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Clinical Trials as Topic
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Humans
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Immunologic Factors / therapeutic use*
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Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / drug therapy
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Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / immunology
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Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / physiopathology
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Lymphocyte Activation
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Lymphocyte Depletion*
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Rituximab
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Sjogren's Syndrome / drug therapy
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Sjogren's Syndrome / immunology
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Sjogren's Syndrome / physiopathology
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Treatment Outcome
Substances
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Antibodies, Monoclonal
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Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
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Immunologic Factors
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Rituximab