Chimeric CD7 monoclonal antibody therapy in rheumatoid arthritis.

Kirkham, B W; Thien, F; Pelton, B K; Pitzalis, C; Amlot, P; Denman, A M; Panayi, G S · J Rheumatol · 1992

case_series · Level IV

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Abstract

Murine monoclonal antibody (Mab) therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) produces an antimouse immunoglobulin response by the recipient. We studied a chimeric (human/mouse) CD7 Mab, in a dose ranging tolerability study in 10 patients with RA. Modest improvements in disease activity occurred with frequent acute adverse effects of malaise, fever and nausea. After treatment, peripheral blood T lymphocyte numbers fell by 50% and CD7 expression fell by 97% for less than 7 days. Our study demonstrates chimeric Mab function in vivo and illustrates the influence of antibody isotype and patient characteristics on adverse effects.

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