Clin Immunol, Vol 126, pp 282-290, 2008
A longitudinal analysis of SLE patients treated with rituximab (anti-CD20): Factors associated with B lymphocyte recovery
Sutter JA, et al
Identifying factors associated with B lymphocyte
depletion and recovery may aid the development of individualized
treatment regimens, optimizing therapy for patients with autoimmune
disease. In this study, 12 patients with active SLE were monitored at
baseline and monthly following treatment with rituximab. The number and
phenotype of peripheral blood B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes and natural
killer cells were correlated with the extent and longevity of B
lymphocyte depletion. This analysis generated three candidate
biomarkers for lymphocyte monitoring in patients with autoimmune
disease who are treated with rituximab: circulating transitional B
cells, the κ:λ ratio and natural killer cells. Further
refinement of these potential biomarkers may lead to a better
understanding of the role of B cells in disease pathogenesis and a more
rational use of B cell depletion therapies.
