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Humoral-targeted immunotherapies in multiple sclerosis
Sabeen Lulu1, Emmanuelle Waubant
1UCSF Multiple Sclerosis Center, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA. sabeen.lulu@ucsf.edu
Summary
Novel immunotherapies targeting the humoral immune response show promise for multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment. B-cell depleting agents like rituximab and ocrelizumab are being investigated for both relapsing and progressive forms of MS.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) pathophysiology understanding has advanced, leading to new therapeutic strategies.
- Therapeutic agents increasingly target specific arms of the immune system, including innate and adaptive responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current and emerging immunotherapies for MS that specifically target the humoral immune response.
- To provide an overview of agents targeting B-cells, their mechanisms, safety, and clinical trial outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Review of available literature on immunotherapies for multiple sclerosis.
- Analysis of agents targeting humoral pathways, focusing on B-cell depletion.
- Inclusion of data on mechanisms of action, safety profiles, and clinical trial results.
Main Results:
- Rituximab, ocrelizumab, and ofatumumab demonstrate potential as B-cell depleting agents for MS.
- Atacicept development was halted due to increased inflammatory activity.
- Rituximab and ocrelizumab have shown efficacy in progressive MS, with ocrelizumab advancing in primary progressive MS trials.
Conclusions:
- Humoral-targeted immunotherapies represent a significant advancement in MS treatment.
- B-cell targeted therapies, particularly ocrelizumab, offer therapeutic options for various MS forms, including progressive MS.
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