B and T cell dynamics following Rituximab treatment.

<p><b>Panels A and E</b>. Expression of human CD20 by hCD20Tg B cells and hCD20Tg T cells. Splenocytes from WTLM and hCD20Tg mice were stained with antibodies to human CD20, CD4 and CD19 and flow cytometry performed. Results shown are gated on CD19+CD4− events to identify B cells or gated on CD19−CD4+ events to identify T cells. <b>Panels B/C/D/F/G</b>. WTLM and hCD20Tg mice received three daily injections of Rituximab (100 µg) beginning on day 0. At 144 hours after Rituximab treatment was initiated, tissues were harvested for flow cytometry analysis. <b>Panel B</b>. Peripheral B cells are rapidly depleted following Rituximab treatment. <b>Panel C</b>. Splenic B cells are depleted following Rituximab treatment. <b>Panel D</b>. B cells in the LN (Axilary, Brachial and Inguinal) are depleted following Rituximab treatment. <b>Panel E</b>. CD4 T cells do not express human CD20. <b>Panel F</b>. Splenic CD4 T cells are reduced following Rituximab treatment. <b>Panel G</b>. CD4 T cells in the LN (Axilary, Brachial and Inguinal) are reduced following Rituximab treatment. <b>Panel H</b>. Rituximab administration does not prevent priming of inflammatory T-effector cells. WTLM and hCD20Tg mice were treated with Rituximab daily for 3 days (Day -3,-2,-1), followed by immunization with MOG_1–125 on Day 0. On day 10 post-immunization, DTH responses were elicited by subcutaneous injection of MOG_1–125 (10 µg) in the ear. The net ear swelling responses were determined at 24 hours. Results shown indicate the mean ear swelling in mmX10E-3 (background subtracted) +/− SEM. Significant differences were detected by unpaired t-test (*, p<0.05; **, p<0.01). These results are representative of at least two independent experiments.