B cell targeted therapies

What are B cell targeted therapies?

RTX (Rituxan): chimeric mouse–human IgG1κ monoclonal antibody directed against extracellular domain of CD20 antigen on B cells. B cells are eliminated by complement-mediated lysis, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, or apoptosis. All peripheral B cells are eliminated within days. Patients who fail to deplete their B cells respond less well. Notably, Ig levels are preserved due to preservation of plasma cells which lack the CD20 antigen on their cell membranes. However, repeated infusions can cause decreased Ig levels (IgM > IgG > IgA). Half-life is 18 to 21 days.

Belimumab (Benlysta): fully human IgG1λ monoclonal antibody directed against B lymphocyte stimulator protein (BLyS)/B-cell activating factor (BAFF). BLyS is the same as BAFF and promotes B-cell survival, growth, and maturation by binding to three different B-cell receptors. Inhibition of BLyS causes peripheral B-cell counts to decrease by 40% to 50%. Ig levels usually not affected. Half-life is 11 to 14 days.

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