Abstract
In recent years a growing body of evidence suggests a more central role for B-cells in the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases, apart from being the precursors of autoantibody-producing plasma cells. B-lymphocytes play an important role in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune diseases. In particular, the introduction of rituximab, a depleting antibody targeting CD20+ B cells and its clinical efficacy in rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, vasculitis and multiple sclerosis has stimulated further B-cell-targeted therapies. Other biologicals targeting CD20 are under clinical investigation. New strategies include targeting further B-cell surface markers such as CD22, as well as blocking B-cell-activating factors or their receptors.
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects
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Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use
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Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
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Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
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Antigens, CD20 / immunology*
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Antirheumatic Agents / adverse effects
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Antirheumatic Agents / therapeutic use*
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Autoimmune Diseases / drug therapy*
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Autoimmune Diseases / immunology
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B-Lymphocytes / drug effects*
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B-Lymphocytes / immunology
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Biological Products / adverse effects
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Biological Products / therapeutic use
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Clinical Trials as Topic
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Drug Delivery Systems*
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Humans
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Lymphocyte Count
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Lymphotoxin-alpha / antagonists & inhibitors
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Rituximab
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Sialic Acid Binding Ig-like Lectin 2 / immunology
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Toll-Like Receptors / antagonists & inhibitors
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Treatment Outcome
Substances
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Antibodies, Monoclonal
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Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
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Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
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Antigens, CD20
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Antirheumatic Agents
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Biological Products
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Lymphotoxin-alpha
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Sialic Acid Binding Ig-like Lectin 2
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Toll-Like Receptors
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Rituximab
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belimumab