Anti-CD20-mediated B-cell depletion in auto-immune diseases: successes, failures and future perspectives.

B-cell depletion with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies is widely used for the treatment of auto-immune diseases. In this review, we will discuss mechanisms contributing to success or failure of B-cell depletion therapy in antibody-mediated auto-immune diseases. We will also explain how key informations about disease pathogeny can be provided by the different outcomes observed after B-cell depletion therapy. These findings provide the basis for future innovative therapeutic strategies aiming at an optimized B cell and/or plasma cell depletion to increase long-term disease remission.
Source: Kidney International - Category: Urology & Nephrology Authors: Tags: Review Source Type: research