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Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF01:24

Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF

Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF), a proinflammatory cytokine, contributes significantly to the inflammation seen in Crohn's disease. It exists as soluble TNF and membrane-bound TNF, with actions mediated through TNF receptors (TNFR). TNFR activation leads to the release of proinflammatory cytokines, T-cell activation, collagen production, and leukocyte migration, all contributing to inflammation in Crohn's disease. Anti-TNF monoclonal antibodies, namely infliximab (Remicade), adalimumab (Humira),...
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Immune-Complex Reactions01:19

Hypersensitivity Reactions: Immune-Complex Reactions

Type III hypersensitivity reactions occur when antigen–antibody complexes form and activate the complement system. Normally, these complexes help the clearance of antigens by phagocytes and red blood cells. However, when large numbers of immune complexes are present, they can deposit in tissues—particularly in the walls of blood vessels—leading to inflammation and tissue injury. These deposits trigger complement activation and neutrophil recruitment, resulting in serum sickness, a systemic...
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:22

Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease01:29

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a widespread pathogen that primarily targets infants and young children but also poses a serious health risk to elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Belonging to the Pneumoviridae family, RSV is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus within the Pneumovirus genus. Its global health burden is significant, with millions of cases annually resulting in hospitalizations and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Although most...
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Hypersensitivity Reactions: Cytolytic Reactions

Type II hypersensitivity involves IgG and IgM antibodies targeting cell surface antigens, leading to cell destruction. This can occur through complement activation, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), or acting as opsonins for phagocytosis. When excessive, these reactions cause significant tissue damage.Drug-induced hemolytic anemia is a common example, where drugs like penicillin or cephalosporins bind to red blood cells, forming drug-protein complexes. These complexes...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 14, 2026

In Vitro Methods for Comparing Target Binding and CDC Induction Between Therapeutic Antibodies: Applications in Biosimilarity Analysis
07:25

In Vitro Methods for Comparing Target Binding and CDC Induction Between Therapeutic Antibodies: Applications in Biosimilarity Analysis

Published on: May 4, 2017

Rituximab-associated infections.

Juan C Gea-Banacloche1

  • 1Experimental Transplantation and Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. banacloj@mail.nih.gov

Seminars in Hematology
|March 31, 2010
PubMed
Summary

Rituximab is generally safe, but can increase infection risk, particularly hepatitis B reactivation and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Careful screening and management are essential for patients receiving rituximab therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Rituximab has been used for over a decade with a generally good safety profile.
  • Emerging evidence suggests rituximab use may increase infection risk in certain patient populations.
  • Quantifying this risk is challenging due to confounding factors and under-reporting.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review infectious complications associated with rituximab therapy.
  • To summarize potential mechanisms underlying increased infection risk.
  • To provide recommendations for prevention, diagnosis, and management of these infections.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies and case reports on rituximab-associated infections.
  • Analysis of confounding factors influencing infection risk.

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Published on: May 22, 2020

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Last Updated: Jun 14, 2026

In Vitro Methods for Comparing Target Binding and CDC Induction Between Therapeutic Antibodies: Applications in Biosimilarity Analysis
07:25

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Published on: May 4, 2017

Assessment of Human Natural Killer Cell Events Driven by FcγRIIIa Engagement in the Presence of Therapeutic Antibodies
09:54

Assessment of Human Natural Killer Cell Events Driven by FcγRIIIa Engagement in the Presence of Therapeutic Antibodies

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  • Synthesis of clinical data on specific infections like hepatitis B reactivation and PML.

    • Main Results:

    • Increased infections observed in patients with low-grade lymphoma and severe immunodeficiency (HIV, fludarabine).
    • Hepatitis B reactivation is a significant concern, potentially leading to fatal liver failure.
    • Association with Pneumocystis pneumonia and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is noted.

    Conclusions:

    • While rituximab is safe for most, vigilance for infections is crucial.
    • Screening for hepatitis B virus (HBV) and preemptive antiviral treatment are vital.
    • Awareness of PML risk and appropriate management strategies are necessary.