B-cell depleting antibodies

B-cell depleting antibodies

B-cell depleting antibodies

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Mechanism of Action - Taking Out the B-Team

  • Primary Target: CD20 antigen, a protein found on the surface of most B-lymphocytes, from pre-B-cells to mature B-cells.
  • Antibody Binding: Monoclonal antibodies (e.g., Rituximab) bind specifically to the CD20 molecule.
  • B-Cell Depletion: This binding triggers the destruction of the B-cell through several immune mechanisms:

Rituximab Mechanisms of Action Against B-Cell Lymphoma

Exam Favorite: CD20 is NOT expressed on hematopoietic stem cells or mature plasma cells. This means that while mature B-cells are depleted, the body can still regenerate new B-cells and maintain long-term antibody levels from existing plasma cells.

  • Rituximab, Ocrelizumab, Ofatumumab

    • Target: CD20 on B-cells.
    • Mechanism: Triggers complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), leading to B-cell apoptosis.
    • Indications:
      • Rituximab: B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA).
      • Ocrelizumab: Primary progressive & relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS).
      • Ofatumumab: Relapsing MS.
  • Belimumab

    • Target: B-Lymphocyte Stimulator (BLyS), also known as BAFF.
    • Mechanism: Inhibits BLyS, preventing B-cell survival and differentiation into plasma cells.
    • Indication: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).

B-cell surface markers and therapeutic antibody targets

High-Yield: Rituximab carries a black box warning for reactivation of the JC virus, potentially leading to Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML), a severe demyelinating disease of the CNS.

Adverse Effects - When B-Gones Go Bad

  • Infusion-Related Reactions (IRRs)

    • Often cytokine-release syndrome: fever, chills, rigors, hypotension, bronchospasm.
    • Occur within 30-120 mins of first infusion.
    • Management: Pre-medicate with antihistamines, acetaminophen, and glucocorticoids. Slow or stop infusion.
  • Infections

    • ⚠️ Increased risk due to B-cell depletion and subsequent hypogammaglobulinemia.
    • Hepatitis B reactivation: Screen all patients for HBsAg and anti-HBc before starting.
  • Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML)

    • Rare, severe brain infection caused by JC virus reactivation.

    Exam Favorite: Suspect PML in a patient on B-cell depleting therapy presenting with new, progressive neurological deficits. Diagnosis is confirmed by JC virus DNA in CSF via PCR.

MRI brain: PML non-enhancing white matter lesions

High-Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Rituximab is the key drug, a chimeric antibody targeting the CD20 antigen on B-lymphocytes.
  • It works by causing B-cell apoptosis through complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC).
  • Crucially, it spares plasma cells, so pre-existing antibody levels are maintained.
  • Used for B-cell lymphomas, CLL, and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Watch for infusion reactions and a black box warning for Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML).

Practice Questions: B-cell depleting antibodies

Test your understanding with these related questions

A researcher is studying the effects of various substances on mature B-cells. She observes that while most substances are only able to promote the production of antibodies when the B-cells are co-cultured with T-cells, a small subset of substances are able to trigger antibody production even in the absence of T-cells. She decides to test these substances that stimulate B-cells alone by injecting them into model organisms. She then analyzes the characteristics of the response that is triggered by these substances. Which of the following correctly describes how the immune response triggered by the B-cell-alone-substances compares with that triggered by substances that also require T-cells?

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Flashcards: B-cell depleting antibodies

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Which antitumor monoclonal antibody can treat rheumatoid arthritis?_____

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

Which antitumor monoclonal antibody can treat rheumatoid arthritis?_____

Rituximab

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