Abstract
We read with interest the study by Simon et al published in the latest issue of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology reporting, for the first time, the use of anti-CD20 treatment in the management of atopic eczema. Making similar assumptions and inspired by a series of articles demonstrating the effect of anti-CD20 treatment in autoimmune diseases, we initiated rituximab treatment in 2 patients with severe atopic dermatitis.
We were particularly impressed by the effect of rituximab on the level of IgE in a trial of anti-CD20 treatment in systemic lupus erythematosus. As Simon et al, we assumed that anti-CD20 treatment might target complex immunopathologic reaction, resulting in chronic atopic eczema.
B cells in this case are a logical therapeutic target, not only as antibody-producing cells but also as antigen-presenting cells for relevant allergens.