The Role of Ocrelizumab in Multiple Sclerosis Treatment

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis is a common leading cause of disability worldwide. CD20-expressing B cells play a major role in multiple sclerosis pathogenesis. Hence, anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies effectively deplete B cells mainly by complement-dependent cytotoxicity, antibody-dependent cell-mediated phagocytosis, and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. While the precise etiology remains unknown, it is now recognized that environmental factors, such as smoking, vitamin D deficiency, Ebstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, adolescent obesity, and sedentary lifestyle in addition to certain genes that are involved in disease progression. This literature reviews the current data supporting the efficacy and safety of ocrelizumab in the multiple sclerosis population. Relevant articles to the topic were searched in the PubMed database. The MeSh words were used are multiple sclerosis, anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies, and ocrelizumab. Anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies, particularly ocrelizumab, have gained attention in this targeted population. Based on the currently available data, ocrelizumab seems effective in B cells depletion and provides favorable outcomes in multiple sclerosis patients. Nevertheless, although most reported adverse events are infusion-related, several reported serious infections were reported in response to ocrelizumab infusion.