Rituximab and autoimmune disorders therapy

Background: B lymphocytes play a central role in pathogenesis of autoimmune disease. This suggests that therapies directed against B lymphocytes may be effective for the treatment of human autoimmune mediated disease.

Methods: Rituximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody directed against the CD20 antigen expressed on most B cells and is used to treat B cell non Hodgkin lymphoma. Rituximab is highly effective in depleting B lymphocytes in vivo. Such treatment could presumably eliminate B cells producing autoantibodies. Main mechanisms of action of Rituximab are discussed with implication in the management of autoimmune diseases.

Conclusions: Use of Rituximab for autoimmune disorders therapy is attractive because of its effect on B lymphocytes. However, therapeutics indications have to be adapted to the inherent differences in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases to assess efficiency.