Review of an Anti-CD20 Monoclonal Antibody for the Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases of the Skin

Biologic therapies targeting B-cells are emerging as an effective strategy to treat a variety of immune-mediated diseases. One of the most studied B-cell-targeted therapies is rituximab, an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody that exemplifies B-cell depletion therapy and has served as the prototype for other anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies and the development of biosimilars. While there are multiple studies on the use of rituximab in dermatology, a comprehensive review of rituximab therapy in autoimmune skin conditions is lacking. In this literature review, we summarize indications, treatment efficacy, and safety of rituximab among common autoimmune diseases of the skin: pemphigus vulgaris, cutaneous lupus erythematous, dermatomyositis, systemic sclerosis, thyroid dermopathy, autoimmune pemphigoid diseases, and cutaneous vasculitis diseases. Existing data on rituximab support the approach of rituximab, biosimilars, and newer B-cell-targeting therapies in immune-mediated cutaneous diseases. Overall, rituximab, which targets CD20, provides an effective alternative or concomitant option to traditional immunosuppressants in the management of various autoimmune diseases of the skin. Further studies are necessary to expand the understanding and possible utility of B-cell-targeted therapies among autoimmune skin diseases.