B cell targeted therapy in autoimmunity.

Abstract

Autoimmunity results from a break in self-tolerance involving humoral and/or cell-mediated immune mechanisms. Part of the pathological consequence of a failure in central and/or peripheral tolerance, results from survival and activation of self-reactive B cells. Such B cells produce tissue-damaging pathogenic autoantibodies, and subsequent formation of complement-fixing immune complexes that contribute to tissue damage. Current pharmacological strategies for treating autoimmune diseases involve global use of broad-acting immunosuppressants that with long term use have associated toxicities. The present drive in drug development is towards therapies that target a specific biological pathway or pathogenic cell population. This review focuses on some of the emerging therapies based on co-stimulation blockers, and compounds which contribute to a specific B cells depletion, based on studies in animal models and human clinical studies.

• Authors: Miri Blank, Yehuda Shoenfeld
• Journal: Journal of autoimmunity (J Autoimmun) 2007 Mar-May Vol. 28 Issue 2-3 Pg. 62-8 ISSN: 0896-8411 [Print] England
• PMID: 17391915 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Antibodies, Monoclonal
• Autoantibodies
• Immunosuppressive Agents
• Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell

Topics

• Animals
• Antibodies, Monoclonal (therapeutic use)
• Autoantibodies (biosynthesis, immunology)
• Autoimmune Diseases (immunology, therapy)
• B-Lymphocytes (drug effects, immunology)
• Humans
• Immunosuppressive Agents (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Immunotherapy (methods)
• Lymphocyte Activation
• Lymphocyte Depletion
• Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell (immunology, metabolism)
• Self Tolerance