B-cell and plasma cell surface antigens

B-cell and plasma cell surface antigens represent a diverse group of proteins expressed on the surface of cells within the B-lymphocyte lineage, spanning from early B-cell progenitors to terminally differentiated plasma cells. Key members of this group include CD19, CD20, and CD22, which are predominantly found on B cells, as well as CD38, CD138 (syndecan-1), and B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA), which are highly expressed on plasma cells. These molecules are integral to various biological processes, including B-cell receptor signaling, cell-cell adhesion, and the regulation of antibody production and secretion. In the context of disease, these antigens are frequently overexpressed or aberrantly expressed in B-cell malignancies such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, as well as in plasma cell dyscrasias like multiple myeloma. Consequently, they serve as critical therapeutic targets for a wide range of modalities, including monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, bispecific T-cell engagers, and CAR-T cell therapies. Targeting these antigens allows for the selective depletion of malignant or autoreactive B-lineage cells, although it can lead to therapeutic challenges such as B-cell aplasia and cytokine release syndrome.

Other names

B-lineage surface markersB-cell markersPlasma cell markersCD antigensB-cell surface antigens

Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) mediated cell death, CAR-T cell-mediated cytotoxicity, and bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE) activity.