Rituximab in dermatological diseases

Rituximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody currently used for the treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that targets the transmembrane protein CD20 of B cells. Recently it has also been used for the treatment of several autoimmune diseases, including skin disorders such as Paraneoplastic Pemphigus, Pemphigus Vulgaris, Pemphigus Foliaceus, Mucosal pemphigoid, Bullous pemphigoid, Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, Systemic lupus erythematous and Dermatomyositis. Frequently all these conditions required intolerably high doses of corticosteroids and additional immunosoppressants, which can increase the risk of severe adverse events. Therefore, new therapeutic options are needed for such patients. The intent of the authors in this review is to provide the reader with a panoramic view of the studies reported to date.