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Updated: Jul 20, 2026
06:17
Depletion of Specific Cell Populations by Complement Depletion
Published on: February 5, 2010
B cell depletion therapy in rheumatic disease
J C W Edwards1, G Cambridge, M J Leandro
1University College London, Centre for Rheumatology, Arthur Stanley House, 40-50 Tottenham Street, London W1T 4NJ, UK. jo.edwards@ucl.ac.uk
Best Practice & Research. Clinical Rheumatology
|September 19, 2006
Summary
B cell depletion therapy shows significant benefits for rheumatic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. While generally safe, potential side effects include respiratory issues and hypogammaglobulinemia with repeated use.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- B cell depletion therapy emerged in 1998 for auto-antibody associated rheumatic diseases.
- Early studies in rheumatoid arthritis paved the way for randomized controlled trials demonstrating substantial clinical benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the efficacy and safety of B cell depletion therapy in rheumatic conditions.
- To discuss the potential licensing and expanding use of this therapy in various autoimmune disorders.
Main Methods:
- Review of pilot studies and randomized controlled trials in rheumatoid arthritis.
- Analysis of open-label studies in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and other rheumatic diseases.
- Evaluation of toxicity profiles and outcomes of repeated B cell depletion therapy.
Main Results:
- Randomized controlled trials confirmed major benefits in rheumatoid arthritis.
- Open studies suggest efficacy in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), leading to widespread use in critical cases.
- Toxicity is comparable to other treatments, though respiratory problems may be more frequent.
Conclusions:
- B cell depletion therapy, primarily with rituximab, offers significant benefits for rheumatic diseases.
- Further research is needed to optimize treatment protocols for different conditions, considering potential side effects like hypogammaglobulinemia.
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