Neurológia pre prax 2/2024

B‑ lymphocyte‑ targeted MS therapy: from theory to a decade of ocrelizumab in practice

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease in which B-lymphocytes, alongside T-lymphocytes and resident CNS cells, play a crucial role in etiopathogenesis. A pivotal demonstration of B-lymphocytes’ significance is the remarkable efficacy of CD20- targeted therapies. Ocrelizumab, the first such drug approved in our conditions, has a decade-long history of excellent adherence, persistence and high efficacy in both patients with relapsing-remitting and and primary-progressive MS. Its widespread use and numerous benefits are confirmed also by data from the Czech ReMuS registry. However, its mechanism of sustained immunosuppression, potentially impairing anti-infective and anti-tumor immunity, necessitates continued patient monitoring to ensure safety.

Keywords: multiple sclerosis, B‑lymphocytes, ocrelizumab, efficacy, safety, pregnancy, disease‑modifying therapy, anti‑CD20, adherence, persistence