Highly Sensitive Flow Cytometric Detection of Residual B-Cells After Rituximab in Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies-Associated Vasculitis Patients

Abstract

We demonstrated that RTX induced strong reductions in circulating B-cells, but never resulted in complete B-cell depletion. Despite strongly reduced B-cell numbers after RTX, ANCA-specific memory B-cells were still detectable in AAV patients. Thus, MRA is identifiable in AAV and can provide a potential novel approach in personalizing RTX treatment in AAV patients.