TY - JOUR
T1 - B cell reductive therapy in the treatment of autoimmune diseases
T2 - A focus on monoclonal antibody treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
AU - Tuscano, Joseph
AU - Martin, Shiloh
AU - Song, Kyle
AU - Wun, Theodore
PY - 2005/12
Y1 - 2005/12
N2 - The therapeutic approach to patients with autoimmune disorders is in the midst of a dramatic change. Monoclonal antibody technology has allowed us to dissect and now manipulate the human immune system with greater precision. It is now widely recognized that B lymphocytes play a role in the pathogenesis of many autoimmune diseases, though the extent and contribution is a matter of debate and active investigation. There is emerging data to suggest that both antibody-dependent and independent mechanisms contribute to disease pathogenesis. However, given the heterogeneous nature of autoimmune diseases, and the varied responses to B lymphocyte reduction, the role of B lymphocytes is likely disease-specific. The two clinical trials discussed in this review demonstrate remarkable consistency in the ability of B cell reduction to ameliorate the clinical manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis with minimal toxicity. B lymphocyte targeted approaches to autoimmune disease in general, and RA specifically, will not only provide an effective and potentially less toxic alternative treatment option, but also allow for a better understanding of the pathogenesis of these complex and morbid diseases.
AB - The therapeutic approach to patients with autoimmune disorders is in the midst of a dramatic change. Monoclonal antibody technology has allowed us to dissect and now manipulate the human immune system with greater precision. It is now widely recognized that B lymphocytes play a role in the pathogenesis of many autoimmune diseases, though the extent and contribution is a matter of debate and active investigation. There is emerging data to suggest that both antibody-dependent and independent mechanisms contribute to disease pathogenesis. However, given the heterogeneous nature of autoimmune diseases, and the varied responses to B lymphocyte reduction, the role of B lymphocytes is likely disease-specific. The two clinical trials discussed in this review demonstrate remarkable consistency in the ability of B cell reduction to ameliorate the clinical manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis with minimal toxicity. B lymphocyte targeted approaches to autoimmune disease in general, and RA specifically, will not only provide an effective and potentially less toxic alternative treatment option, but also allow for a better understanding of the pathogenesis of these complex and morbid diseases.
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U2 - 10.1080/10245330500155424
DO - 10.1080/10245330500155424
M3 - Article
C2 - 16321818
AN - SCOPUS:31144454851
VL - 10
SP - 521
EP - 527
JO - Hematology
JF - Hematology
SN - 1024-5340
IS - 6
ER -