[The humoral response in rheumatoid arthritis and the effect of B-cell depleting therapy]
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026

An Adoptive Transfer Model of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Mice
Published on: June 6, 2025
R M Thurlings1, K Vos, D M Gerlag
1Academisch Medisch Centrum/Universiteit van Amsterdam, afd. Klinische Immunologie en Reumatologie, Postbus 22.660, 1100 DD Amsterdam.
Abstract:
Recent research has shown that the humoral response plays an important role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. B-cells produce rheumatoid factors and antibodies directed against cyclic citrullinated peptides (anti-CCP antibodies) and are able to present auto-antigens to T-cells. Furthermore, B-cells can produce cytokines and stimulate T-cells. B-cell depletion with rituximab, a monoclonal antibody directed against CD20, has a surprisingly strong and long-lasting therapeutic effect. After administration a sharp decrease of specific auto-antibody titres has been observed. Future developments in B-cell targeted therapy are expected to lead to further improvements in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases.
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