B-cell lineage antigens

B-cell lineage antigens are a group of surface proteins expressed by B lymphocytes throughout their differentiation from progenitor cells to mature plasma cells [1.1.2, 1.2.1]. This category includes well-characterized markers such as CD19, CD20, CD22, CD79b, and B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA), which play vital roles in B-cell signaling, development, and immune regulation [1.4.2, 1.4.3]. In healthy physiology, these antigens facilitate antigen recognition and the subsequent production of antibodies [1.2.2, 1.2.4]. However, they are frequently overexpressed or mutated in B-cell malignancies, including various types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, leukemia, and multiple myeloma, making them ideal therapeutic targets [1.3.4, 1.4.3]. Therapeutic strategies targeting these antigens range from monoclonal antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates to advanced cellular therapies like CAR-T cells [1.3.2, 1.3.3]. While highly effective in treating cancers and autoimmune diseases, targeting these lineage-specific markers often results in the depletion of healthy B cells, leading to side effects such as hypogammaglobulinemia and increased infection risk [1.3.1, 1.4.1].

Other names

B-cell markersB-lymphocyte antigensB-cell surface antigensCD antigens (B-cell subset)B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)

Drugs targeting B-cell lineage antigens employ several distinct mechanisms: monoclonal antibodies induce cell death via antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), and direct apoptosis [1.3.3, 1.3.4]. Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) like polatuzumab vedotin deliver cytotoxic agents directly into B cells upon antigen binding and internalization [1.3.5]. Bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTEs) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies physically link T cells to B-cell antigens, triggering potent T-cell-mediated lysis of the target cells [1.3.2, 1.4.2]. Additionally, some therapies block essential survival factors like BAFF to induce B-cell depletion [1.3.1, 1.3.4].