Rituximab Research Paper

Drug: rituximab

Introduction

Rituximab is the generic name for anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (mAb) Rituxan, also known by other brand names as Mabthera or Truxima. By splitting up the name of this drug, a lot of information can be learned about its function. The name will be split up in a prefix “ri”, 2 substems “tu + xi” and a suffix “mab”. Starting from the back, the suffix -mab suggests this drug is a monoclonal antibody, an antibody coming from 1 activated B-lymphocyte. The first substem -tu- stands for tumor, meaning this drug attacks tumors. The second substem -xi- indicates a chimeric origin, an antibody that is part mouse, part human. Even though mouse and human antibodies are structurally analogous, mouse antibodies can’t be used in the human body. This antibody has mouse variable domains (about 30%), but constant hum domains (about 70%). Since it is mostly human, the patient’s immune system won’t (immediately) view it as a threat. The prefix is unique

Rituximab is most commonly used for Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, rheumatoid arthritis, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) and Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA).

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma a type of cancer which initiates in a subset of the white blood cell, called lymphocytes. Lymphocytes play an important role in the immune system. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, meaning the body sees itself as a potential threat. The disease is commonly linked with chronical inflammation of the joints, but in some cases the damages may metastasize to the lungs, heart, blood vessels, ... CLL is another type of cancer which starts in the bone marrow and proceeds to the blood. This type of cancer is often called blood cancer or leukemia. GPA is a more rare disease than the previously mentioned. The etiology is unknown. GPA is an autoimmune disease causing necrotic inflammation in small to medium blood vessels