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Graf J, Mares J, Barnett M, Aktas O, Albrecht P, Zamvil SS, Hartung HP. Targeting B Cells to Modify MS, NMOSD, and MOGAD: Part 1. NEUROLOGY(R) NEUROIMMUNOLOGY & NEUROINFLAMMATION 2021; 8:e918. [PMID: 33406479 PMCID: PMC8063619 DOI: 10.1212/nxi.0000000000000918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Ocrelizumab, rituximab, ofatumumab, ublituximab, inebilizumab, and evobrutinib are immunotherapies that target various B cell-related proteins. Most of these treatments have proven efficacy in relapsing and progressive forms of MS and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disease (NMOSD), or are in advanced stages of clinical development. Currently, ocrelizumab, ofatumumab, and inebilizumab are licensed for treatment of MS and NMOSD, respectively. This review focuses on the current state of knowledge about the role of B lymphocytes in immune-mediated pathophysiology and its implications for the mode of action. To understand the significance of this breakthrough in the context of the current MS therapeutic armamentarium, this review more closely examines the clinical development of CD20 depletion and the pioneering contribution of rituximab. Phase 3 and the recently published postmarketing studies will be highlighted to better understand the relevant efficacy data and safety aspects of long-term B-cell depletion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Graf
- From the Department of Neurology (J.G., O.A., P.A., H.-P.H.), University Hospital, Medical Faculty Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany; Department of Neurology (J.M.), Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic; Department of Neurology (M.B., H.-P.H.), Brain and Mind Centre, Department of Neurology, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; and UCSF Weill Institute of Neurosciences (S.S.Z.), Department of Neurology, University of California at San Francisco
| | - Jan Mares
- From the Department of Neurology (J.G., O.A., P.A., H.-P.H.), University Hospital, Medical Faculty Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany; Department of Neurology (J.M.), Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic; Department of Neurology (M.B., H.-P.H.), Brain and Mind Centre, Department of Neurology, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; and UCSF Weill Institute of Neurosciences (S.S.Z.), Department of Neurology, University of California at San Francisco
| | - Michael Barnett
- From the Department of Neurology (J.G., O.A., P.A., H.-P.H.), University Hospital, Medical Faculty Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany; Department of Neurology (J.M.), Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic; Department of Neurology (M.B., H.-P.H.), Brain and Mind Centre, Department of Neurology, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; and UCSF Weill Institute of Neurosciences (S.S.Z.), Department of Neurology, University of California at San Francisco
| | - Orhan Aktas
- From the Department of Neurology (J.G., O.A., P.A., H.-P.H.), University Hospital, Medical Faculty Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany; Department of Neurology (J.M.), Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic; Department of Neurology (M.B., H.-P.H.), Brain and Mind Centre, Department of Neurology, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; and UCSF Weill Institute of Neurosciences (S.S.Z.), Department of Neurology, University of California at San Francisco
| | - Philipp Albrecht
- From the Department of Neurology (J.G., O.A., P.A., H.-P.H.), University Hospital, Medical Faculty Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany; Department of Neurology (J.M.), Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic; Department of Neurology (M.B., H.-P.H.), Brain and Mind Centre, Department of Neurology, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; and UCSF Weill Institute of Neurosciences (S.S.Z.), Department of Neurology, University of California at San Francisco
| | - Scott S Zamvil
- From the Department of Neurology (J.G., O.A., P.A., H.-P.H.), University Hospital, Medical Faculty Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany; Department of Neurology (J.M.), Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic; Department of Neurology (M.B., H.-P.H.), Brain and Mind Centre, Department of Neurology, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; and UCSF Weill Institute of Neurosciences (S.S.Z.), Department of Neurology, University of California at San Francisco
| | - Hans-Peter Hartung
- From the Department of Neurology (J.G., O.A., P.A., H.-P.H.), University Hospital, Medical Faculty Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany; Department of Neurology (J.M.), Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic; Department of Neurology (M.B., H.-P.H.), Brain and Mind Centre, Department of Neurology, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; and UCSF Weill Institute of Neurosciences (S.S.Z.), Department of Neurology, University of California at San Francisco.
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Babij R, Perumal JS. Comparative efficacy of alemtuzumab and established treatment in the management of multiple sclerosis. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2015; 11:1221-9. [PMID: 26056453 PMCID: PMC4445870 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s60518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Alemtuzumab is the newest disease-modifying therapy approved for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis. Alemtuzumab is an anti-CD52 targeted antibody that causes lysis of T and B lymphocytes, monocytes, natural killer cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells. Following its administration, a prolonged T-cell lymphopenia results with emergence of a reconstituted immune system that differs in its composition from that pretreatment. In clinical trials, alemtuzumab has shown impressive efficacy with regard to clinical and radiological outcomes in relapsing multiple sclerosis, along with sustained long-term beneficial effects, and it is attractive for its once-yearly administration. Despite this, the occurrence of serious secondary autoimmune disorders, infections, and a potential risk of malignancy necessitates a careful evaluation of risks versus benefits for an individual patient prior to its use. The requirement of patient commitment to the intense mandatory monitoring program is also a factor to be considered when incorporating alemtuzumab into the treatment regimen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Babij
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jai S Perumal
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
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Rodríguez-Porcel F, Hornik A, Rosenblum J, Borys E, Biller J. Refractory Fulminant Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM) in an Adult. Front Neurol 2014; 5:270. [PMID: 25566176 PMCID: PMC4274983 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2014.00270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2014] [Accepted: 12/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is characterized by its rapid progression with variable symptoms and severity in adults and children. Multiple therapeutic options have been proposed, but solid evidence is yet to be gathered. We describe an adult man with a fulminant form of ADEM unresponsive to numerous treatment modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Rodríguez-Porcel
- Department of Neurology, Loyola University Medical Center, Stritch School of Medicine , Maywood, IL , USA
| | - Alejandro Hornik
- Department of Neurology, Loyola University Medical Center, Stritch School of Medicine , Maywood, IL , USA
| | - Jordan Rosenblum
- Department of Radiology, Loyola University Medical Center, Stritch School of Medicine , Maywood, IL , USA
| | - Ewa Borys
- Department of Pathology, Loyola University Medical Center, Stritch School of Medicine , Maywood, IL , USA
| | - José Biller
- Department of Neurology, Loyola University Medical Center, Stritch School of Medicine , Maywood, IL , USA
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Havla J, Kleiter I, Kümpfel T. Bridging, switching or drug holidays - how to treat a patient who stops natalizumab? Ther Clin Risk Manag 2013; 9:361-9. [PMID: 24124371 PMCID: PMC3794889 DOI: 10.2147/tcrm.s41552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Natalizumab (NAT) was the first monoclonal antibody to be approved for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). While pivotal and postmarketing studies have showed considerable and sustained efficacy of NAT in RRMS, the increasing incidence of therapy-associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a brain infection caused by the John Cunningham virus (JCV), is a risk associated with long-term therapy. The risk for therapy-associated PML is highest in so-called “triple risk” patients. Therefore, long-term NAT-treated, immunosuppressive-pretreated, and JCV antibody-positive patients often discontinue NAT therapy. However, until now, it is not known which treatment strategy should be followed after NAT cessation. Since disease activity returns to pretreatment levels, or even above, within 4–7 months from the last infusion of NAT, patients who stop NAT are at considerable risk of relapse and worsening of multiple sclerosis (MS)-related disability. Several strategies have been applied to prevent the recurrence of disease activity after discontinuation of NAT. Of these, bridging with intravenous methylprednisolone, and switching to glatiramer acetate or interferon beta (IFN-beta) do not seem to be effective enough. More promising results have been obtained in retrospective studies and case series with fingolimod (FTY), an alternative escalation therapy for RRMS, although some patients have showed a severe disease rebound after starting FTY treatment. The time interval between the discontinuation of NAT and the start of FTY might affect the recurrence of disease activity. Long-term data about the efficacy and safety of FTY treatment after cessation of NAT are urgently needed and should be further investigated. Prospective studies are warranted, to optimize treatment strategies for RRMS patients who discontinue NAT, especially because new therapies will be available in the very near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Havla
- Institute of Clinical, Neuroimmunology, Medical Campus, Grosshadern, Ludwig Maximilians, University, Munich, Germany
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Kosmidis ML, Dalakas MC. Practical considerations on the use of rituximab in autoimmune neurological disorders. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2011; 3:93-105. [PMID: 21179602 DOI: 10.1177/1756285609356135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Rituximab (Mabthera, Rituxan) is a chimeric human/murine monoclonal antibody against CD-20 surface antigen expressed on B-cells. Rituximab, by causing B-cell depletion, appears to be effective in several autoimmune disorders; it has been approved for rheumatoid arthritis and is a promising new agent in the treatment of several autoimmune neurological disorders. A controlled study in patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis has shown that rituximab significantly reduces the number of new MRI lesions and improves clinical outcome; it also showed some promise in a subset of patients with primary progressive MS. The drug is also effective in a number of patients with Devic's disease, myasthenia gravis, autoimmune neuropathies, and inflammatory myopathies. The apparent effectiveness of rituximab has moved B-cells into the center stage of clinical and laboratory investigation of autoimmune neurological disorders. We review the evidence-based effectiveness of rituximab in neurological disorders based on controlled trials and anecdotal reports, including our own experience, and address the immunobiology of B-cells in autoimmune central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS) disorders. In addition, we provide practical guidelines on how best to use this drug in clinical practice and highlight its potential toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mixalis L Kosmidis
- Neuroimmunology Section, Department of Pathophysiology, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
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Venizelos A, Lee J, Biller J. Language impairment and right hemiparesis in a 54-year-old woman. Front Neurol 2011; 2:40. [PMID: 21747776 PMCID: PMC3129533 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2011.00040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2011] [Accepted: 06/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A 54-year-old woman presented to the emergency room with 3 months of slurred speech, language problems, and right hemiparesis. Initial impression based on history, exam, and imaging was brain abscess vs. primary or metastatic neoplasm. Brain biopsy of the lesion and pathologic specimens were obtained. Below is a description of her presentation, hospital course, imaging, and pathology, as well as a short discussion of the final diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Venizelos
- Department of Neurology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago Maywood, IL, USA
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Cameron EM, Spencer S, Lazarini J, Harp CT, Ward ES, Burgoon M, Owens GP, Racke MK, Bennett JL, Frohman EM, Monson NL. Potential of a unique antibody gene signature to predict conversion to clinically definite multiple sclerosis. J Neuroimmunol 2009; 213:123-30. [PMID: 19631394 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2009.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2009] [Revised: 05/19/2009] [Accepted: 05/29/2009] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
We identified a unique antibody gene mutation pattern (i.e. "signature") in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) B cells from multiple sclerosis (MS) patients not present in control populations. Prevalence of the signature in CSF B cells of patients at risk to develop MS predicted conversion to MS with 91% accuracy in a small cohort of clinically isolated syndrome patients. If confirmed, signature prevalence would be a novel genetic diagnostic tool candidate for patients with early demyelinating disease of the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Cameron
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas TX 75154, USA
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