| Abstract: | ![]()
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by autoreactive T‐cells and polyclonal activation of B‐cells. We reported that SLE patients with organ‐threatening disorders, resistant to intensive conventional therapies, were treated by weekly use of anti‐CD20 antibody rituximab, and that sufficient evidence of excellent tolerability and high efficacy of rituximab therapy was obtained in both a pilot study and a nation‐wide phase I/II clinical examination. Moreover, a rapid and marked reduction in the expression of the co‐stimulatory molecules CD40 and CD80 on B‐cells was found in SLE patients, implying that reduction of both the quantity and the quality of B‐cells by rituximab could improve the disease course in refractory SLE. Recently, anti‐CD22 antibody epratuzumab has also provided excellent tolerability and high efficacy. Therefore, targeting B‐cells may have potential interests by bringing about a breakthrough in treatment of SLE and other autoimmune diseases. |
