The rationale for B lymphocyte depletion in Graves' disease. Monoclonal anti-CD20 antibody therapy as a novel treatment option

TY - JOUR

T1 - The rationale for B lymphocyte depletion in Graves' disease. Monoclonal anti-CD20 antibody therapy as a novel treatment option

AU - El Fassi, Daniel

AU - Nielsen, Claus H

AU - Hasselbalch, Hans K

AU - Hegedüs, Laszlo

PY - 2006/5/1

Y1 - 2006/5/1

N2 - We have reviewed the immunology of thyroid autoimmunity with special reference to the importance of B lymphocytes (B cells) in thyroidal and extrathyroidal Graves' disease (GD), thus providing a framework for the hypothesis that B cell depletion may be beneficial in GD. Additionally, after reviewing the efficacy and safety in other autoimmune diseases, we propose that treatment with the B cell-depleting agent Rituximab may become a clinically relevant treatment option in selected cases of GD, particularly when complicated with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy.

AB - We have reviewed the immunology of thyroid autoimmunity with special reference to the importance of B lymphocytes (B cells) in thyroidal and extrathyroidal Graves' disease (GD), thus providing a framework for the hypothesis that B cell depletion may be beneficial in GD. Additionally, after reviewing the efficacy and safety in other autoimmune diseases, we propose that treatment with the B cell-depleting agent Rituximab may become a clinically relevant treatment option in selected cases of GD, particularly when complicated with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy.

U2 - http://dx.doi.org/10.1530/eje.1.02140

DO - http://dx.doi.org/10.1530/eje.1.02140

M3 - Journal article

SN - 0804-4643

VL - 154

SP - 623

EP - 632

JO - European Journal of Endocrinology

JF - European Journal of Endocrinology

IS - 5

ER -