Rituximab immunotherapy in pemphigus: therapeutic effects beyond B-cell depletion

J Invest Dermatol. 2008 Dec;128(12):2745-7. doi: 10.1038/jid.2008.330.

Abstract

The anti-CD20 mAb rituximab, first approved for use in B-cell malignancies, is increasingly used to treat a variety of autoimmune diseases. Two studies in this issue investigate the effects of rituximab in pemphigus. Rituximab induces not only a depletion of all B cells and a decline of antidesmoglein autoantibodies but also a decrease in desmoglein-specific T cells. Furthermore, B-cell populations recovered after treatment were modified. These novel aspects may contribute to the clinical responses observed in patients.

Publication types

  • Comment
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Antigens, CD20 / chemistry
  • Autoimmunity / immunology
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Desmogleins / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Immune System
  • Immunotherapy / methods
  • Pemphigus / drug therapy*
  • Rituximab
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Antigens, CD20
  • Desmogleins
  • Rituximab