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    Rituximab

    Rituximab is able to inhibit the B-cells in the pathogenesis of RA. The drug is a chimeric monoclonal antibody against the protein CD20 present on the B-cell surface. Rituximab destroys B-cells in the joints via different mechanisms, helping to reduce inflammation.

    The exact function of CD20 is unknown, but it may play a role in Ca2+ influx across plasma membranes, maintaining intracellular Ca2+ concentration and allowing activation of B cells. The following effects of rituximab have been found:

    • The Fc portion of rituximab mediates antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), which leads to phagocytosis by macrophages. (1)
    • Activation of the complement cascade, which generates the membrane attack complex (MAC) that can directly lyse B cells by complement-mediated cytotoxicity (CDC). (2)
    • Interaction with natural killer cells resulting in direct lysis. (3)
    • A general regulatory effect on the cell cycle.
    • Increase in MHC II and adhesion molecules.
    • Downregulation of the B-cell receptor.
    • Apoptosis of CD20+ cells.

    Rituximab is used in the treatment of RA as well as in B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and B-cell leukemias.

    Serious adverse events, which can cause death and disability, include: severe infusion reactions, cardiac arrest, acute renal failure, infections, immune toxicity, and pulmonary toxicity.

    EPAR of rituximab.

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