Targeting B cells in systemic lupus erythematosus: not just déjà vu all over again
Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine, 756 BRBII/III, 421 Curie Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6160, USA
Arthritis Research & Therapy 2006, 8:108 doi:10.1186/ar1967
See related research article by Dörner et al.: http://arthritis-research.com/content/8/3/R74
Published: 15 May 2006Abstract
Epratuzumab (anti-CD22) is a humanized monoclonal antibody that recognizes a pan-B-cell marker. It potentially downregulates B cell activity through negative signaling, as well as depleting B cells moderately. The uncontrolled series discussed by Dörner and colleagues in this issue of Arthritis Research & Therapy suggests that epratuzumab may be safe and efficacious for systemic lupus erythematosus. A randomized controlled trial is currently active to test this possibility.
