The relationship of FcγRIIIa genotype to degree of B cell depletion by rituximab in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

These results highlight the potential variability of B cell depletion by rituximab in the treatment of autoimmune disease and indicate that Fc receptors are an important determinant of that variability. The findings further suggest the importance of antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity and/or apoptosis induction via FcgammaRIIIa-expressing effector cells in the mechanism of B cell depletion by this widely used monoclonal antibody.