Targeting B cells with biologics in systemic lupus erythematosus.

ABSTRACT:

Importance of the field

The use of biologics as immune modulators in several autoimmune diseases has provided new tools to the physician's therapeutic armamentiarium and has led to improved patients' outcomes and quality of life. By producing autoantibodies, B cells in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are key players in the pathogenesis of the disease and in its clinical manifestations. Therefore, biologics that target B cells in SLE aim at reducing the activity of these cells for the induction of remissions and/or amelioration of disease activity, reduction of organ involvement, and limitation of the complications and side effects caused by immunosuppressive therapies.

Areas covered in this review

This review describes the past and current clinical trials with B-cell-targ

SUBMITTER: La Cava A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2962556 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature