B cell numbers predict humoral and cellular response upon SARS ‐CoV‐2 vaccination among patients treated with rituximab

ConclusionsIn patients receiving RTX, a minimum of 10 B cells/ μl in the peripheral circulation candidates as biomarker for a high likelihood of an appropriate cellular and humoral response after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Mechanistically, the data emphasize the crucial role of co-stimulatory B cell functions for the proper induction of CD4 responses propagating vaccine-specific B and plasma cell differentiation.

Source: Arthritis and Rheumatology - December 28, 2021 Category: Rheumatology Authors: Ana L. Stefanski, Hector Rincon ‐Arevalo, Eva Schrezenmeier, Kirsten Karberg, Franziska Szelinski, Jacob Ritter, Bernd Jahrsdörfer, Hubert Schrezenmeier, Carolin Ludwig, Arne Sattler, Katja Kotsch, Yidan Chen, Anne Claußnitzer, Hildrun Ha Tags: Full Length Source Type: research