Rituximab reduces B cells and T cells in cerebrospinal fluid of multiple sclerosis patients

AH Cross, JL Stark, J Lauber, MJ Ramsbottom… - Journal of …, 2006 - Elsevier
Effects of B cell depletion by rituximab, a monoclonal antibody to CD20, were studied in
patients with relapsing MS that had not responded optimally to standard immunomodulatory
therapies. Flow cytometry demonstrated reduced cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) B cells and T
cells in most patients at 6 months post-treatment. ELISAs demonstrated modest reductions in
serum antibodies to myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein and myelin basic protein in some
subjects. Beta-interferon neutralizing antibodies were reduced in three subjects, but …