# B cells in acquired aplastic anemia and the exploratory role of rituximab: considerations in pediatric and female patients

## TL;DR

This review explores the role of B cells in aplastic anemia and evaluates rituximab's potential in treating the condition, especially in pediatric and female patients.

## Contribution

The paper provides a narrative synthesis of B-cell involvement in aplastic anemia and explores rituximab's therapeutic potential with a focus on pediatric and female populations.

## Key findings

- Activated B cells are implicated in the immunopathology of aplastic anemia.
- Rituximab shows therapeutic potential by modulating B cell activity in aplastic anemia.
- Pediatric and female patients exhibit distinct immune responses and clinical outcomes with rituximab.

## Abstract

Aplastic anemia (AA) is a severe hematological disorder characterized by bone marrow failure and peripheral pancytopenia. Immune dysregulation plays a central role in its pathogenesis. Recent studies highlight the critical involvement of activated B cells in the immunopathology of AA, influencing both disease onset and progression. Rituximab, a monoclonal antibody targeting CD20, demonstrates therapeutic potential by modulating B cell function. Notably, immune responses and clinical manifestations differ between pediatric and female patients, affecting the efficacy and safety profile of rituximab. This narrative review synthesizes current knowledge on B-cell involvement in AA, summarizes population-specific immunologic features, and appraises the exploratory evidence regarding rituximab use. By integrating mechanistic insights with available clinical observations, we highlight key gaps in the literature and outline priorities for future research to inform more individualized immunomodulatory strategies in AA.