B-cell inhibitors as therapy for rheumatoid arthritis: an update.

A revolution in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis has occurred in recent years. This holds particularly true for B-cell-directed therapies for rheumatoid arthritis. The approval of rituximab for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis has not only expanded the armamentarium of therapies for rheumatologists, but it has also led the way to better understanding of the biologic sequelae of these treatments as well as the potential to better understand the etiology of autoimmune diseases. This review updates the latest B-cell therapies in rheumatoid arthritis.