CD22, CD30, CD33, CD38, CD40, SLAMF-7 and CCR4

This chapter is focused on the agents targeting lymphoid and myeloid cell surface antigens CD22, CD30, CD33, CD38, CD40, SLAMF-7 (CD319), and CCR-4. Over the past 20 years, many monoclonal antibodies targeting these antigens have been developed and introduced into clinical practice. Many of them are used successfully for the treatment of leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and systemic autoimmune diseases (e.g. systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren’s syndrome) both in monotherapy and in combination with other drugs. Targeting these antigens, which are normally also present on immune system cells, is always concerning for the increased risk of infections in patients who are already immunocompromised due to hematologic malignancies. Furthermore, a longer follow-up would be needed to determine the real risk of some rare infections. This chapter evaluates the incidence, risk factors, and proposed prevention for infectious complications related to these drugs.