Anti-CD20 chimeric monoclonal antibody (rituximab) for the treatment of recalcitrant, life-threatening pemphigus vulgaris with implications in the pathogenesis of the disorder

Rituximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody directed against CD20 of B cells, has been reported to be effective in the treatment of B-cell lymphomas and malignant and nonmalignant plasma cell-dependent diseases. We describe a 30-year-old woman with refractory pemphigus vulgaris who experienced a partial remission after treatment with rituximab.