Targeting B cells in treatment of autoimmunity

SE Franks, A Getahun, PM Hogarth… - Current opinion in …, 2016 - Elsevier
SE Franks, A Getahun, PM Hogarth, JC Cambier
Current opinion in immunology, 2016Elsevier
Highlights•B cells are emerging as effective therapeutic targets in many autoimmune
diseases.•While B cell depleting therapies are efficacious, they are not without safety
concerns.•Non-depleting B cell strategies are needed.•Inhibitory signaling mechanisms can
be harnessed to suppress autoimmunity.•B cell-specific signaling intermediaries are
effective targets for treatment of autoimmunity.B cells have emerged as effective targets for
therapeutic intervention in autoimmunities in which the ultimate effectors are antibodies, as …
Highlights
  • B cells are emerging as effective therapeutic targets in many autoimmune diseases.
  • While B cell depleting therapies are efficacious, they are not without safety concerns.
  • Non-depleting B cell strategies are needed.
  • Inhibitory signaling mechanisms can be harnessed to suppress autoimmunity.
  • B cell-specific signaling intermediaries are effective targets for treatment of autoimmunity.
B cells have emerged as effective targets for therapeutic intervention in autoimmunities in which the ultimate effectors are antibodies, as well as those in which T cells are primary drivers of inflammation. Proof of this principle has come primarily from studies of the efficacy of Rituximab, an anti-CD20 mAb that depletes B cells, in various autoimmune settings. These successes have inspired efforts to develop more effective anti-CD20s tailored for specific needs, as well as biologicals and small molecules that suppress B cell function without the risks inherent in B cell depletion. Here we review the current status of B cell-targeted therapies for autoimmunity.
Elsevier