Therapeutic tactics for targeting B lymphocytes in autoimmunity and cancer

Abstract

AbstractB lymphocytes have become a very popular therapeutic target in a number of autoimmune indications due to their newly appreciated roles, and approachability, in these diseases. Many of the therapies now applied in autoimmunity were initially developed to deplete malignant B cells. These strategies have also been found to benefit patients suffering from such autoimmune diseases as multiple sclerosis, type I diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis, to name a few. These observations have supported the expansion of research addressing the mechanistic contributions of B cells in these diseases, as well as blossoming of therapeutics that target them. This review seeks to summarize cutting‐edge modalities for targeting B cells, including monoclonal antibodies, bispecific antibodies, antibody‐drug conjugates, chimeric antigen receptor‐T cells, and small molecule inhibitors. Efforts to refine B‐cell targeted therapy to eliminate only pathogenic autoreactive cells will be addressed as well as the potential for future B‐cell‐based cellular therapeutics. Finally, we also address approaches that seek to silence B‐cell function without depletion.