The Influence of B Cell Depletion Therapy on Naturally Acquired Immunity to Streptococcus pneumoniae.

ABSTRACT: The anti-CD20 antibody Rituximab to deplete CD20+ B cells is an effective treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and B cell malignancies, but is associated with an increased incidence of respiratory infections. Using mouse models we have investigated the consequences of B cell depletion on natural and acquired humoral immunity to Streptococcus pneumoniae. B cell depletion of naïve C57Bl/6 mice reduced natural IgM recognition of S. pneumoniae, but did not increase susceptibility to S. pneumoniae pneumonia. ELISA and flow cytometry assays demonstrated significantly reduced IgG and IgM recognition of S. pneumoniae in sera from mice treated with B cell depletion prior to S. pneumoniae nasopharyngeal colonization compared to untreated mice. Colonization induced an

SUBMITTER: Ercoli G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7876223 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature