RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 B Cell-Targeted Therapy in Autoimmune Disease: Rationale, Mechanisms, and Clinical Application JF The Journal of Rheumatology JO J Rheumatol FD The Journal of Rheumatology SP 1245 OP 1255 VO 35 IS 7 A1 PHILIP J. MEASE YR 2008 UL http://www.jrheum.org/content/35/7/1245.abstract AB B cells play a critical role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other autoimmune diseases. Recently, a number of biologic agents that target B cells have been tested as therapies for these conditions. These agents either deplete B cells, by targeting cell-surface antigens such as CD20, or block B cell function, for example by inhibiting the activity of B cell survival factors such as BLyS. Of this group of agents, the first in clinical use has been rituximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody that depletes B cells by binding to the CD20 cell-surface antigen. Initially introduced as a treatment for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, rituximab is now approved for the treatment of RA. In this review we explore the rationale behind B cell-targeted therapy, highlight the results of clinical trials with rituximab in RA and other autoimmune diseases, and describe other emerging therapies directed at B cells.