Abstract

B-cell-targeted therapy for autoimmune disease emerged from theoretical proposition to practical reality between 1997 and 1998, with the availability of the B-cell-depleting monoclonal antibody rituximab. Since then, a score of autoantibody-associated disorders have been treated, with most convincing evidence of efficacy seen in subjects with rheumatoid arthritis. Several classes of B-cell-targeted agent are now under investigation. From the outset, a major goal of B-cell targeting has been the re-establishment of some form of immunological tolerance. In some subjects, the observed improvement of disease for years following therapy fuels hope that this goal might ultimately be achievable.

Author affiliations

1. Department of Medicine, University College London, 46 Cleveland Street, London W1P 6DB, UK.

Correspondence to: Jonathan C. W. Edwards¹ Email: jo.edwards@ucl.ac.uk

Published online 7 April 2006

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