Placing CD20-targeted B cell depletion in multiple sclerosis therapeutic scenario: Present and future perspectives

Publication date: Available online 3 May 2019Source: Autoimmunity ReviewsAuthor(s): Emanuele D'Amico, Aurora Zanghì, Matteo Gastaldi, Francesco Patti, Diego FranciottaAbstractMultiple sclerosis (MS) is an acquired demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that traditionally has been considered to be mediated primarily by T cells. Increasing evidence, however, suggests the fundamental role of B cells in the pathogenesis and development of the disease. Recently, anti-CD20 B cell-based therapies have demonstrated impressive and somewhat surprising results in MS, showing profound anti-inflammatory effects with a favorable risk–benefit ratio. Moreover, for the first time in the MS therapeutic scenario, the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody ocrelizumab has been granted for the treatment of the primary progressive form of the disease. In this review, we provide a brief overview about anti-CD20 B cell-based therapies in MS, in the perspective of their influence on the future management of the disease, and of their possible positioning in a new wider therapeutic scenario.
Source: Autoimmunity Reviews - Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research