Historic outline of the development of drugs targeting B-cells -- Understanding B-cell biology -- Pharmacological effects and mechanisms of action of agents blocking B cells -- Systemic lupus erythematosus: direct B-cell blocking -- Systemic lupus erythematosus: indirect B-cell blocking -- B-cell targeted therapies in rheumatoid arthritis -- B-cell targeted therapies in Primary Sjögren Syndrome -- Targeting B cells in ANCA-associated vasculitis -- B-cell targeted therapies in systemic sclerosis and inflammatory myopathies -- B-cell targeted therapies in cryoglobulinemia -- B-cell targeted therapies in autoimmune cytopenias and thrombosis -- Targeting B cells in neurological autoimmune diseases -- Targeting B cells in other systemic autoimmune diseases -- Safety of B-cell targeted therapies -- The future potential of biosimilars targeting B-cells.

This book provides a detailed overview of B-cell directed therapies in patients with rheumatic and systemic autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren syndrome, ANCA-associated vasculitis and cryoglobulinemia. Organ-specific autoimmune diseases are discussed with respect to the use of B-cell directed therapies in neurological autoimmune diseases and autoimmune cytopenias. Situations in which B-cell targeted therapy may be indicated are identified, thereby offering comprehensive support for therapeutic decisions on the basis of the latest published evidence. The book also offers a valuable reference tool for rheumatologists, internists, nephrologists, immunologists, and all specialists involved in the multidisciplinary care of patients with rheumatic and systemic autoimmune diseases.