B-lymphocyte antigen CD20 (CD20) (CD20)

B-lymphocyte antigen CD20 (CD20) is a non-glycosylated transmembrane phosphoprotein encoded by the MS4A1 gene, primarily expressed on the surface of B-lymphocytes from the late pro-B cell stage through mature B-cells, but lost during differentiation into plasma cells (UniProt: P11836). It functions as a component of a multimeric cell surface complex that regulates B-cell activation, proliferation, and calcium signaling, potentially acting as a store-operated calcium channel (PubMed: 10746779). CD20 is a hallmark biomarker for B-cell malignancies, including Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), as well as various autoimmune conditions (StatPearls: NBK560601). Therapeutic strategies targeting CD20 involve monoclonal antibodies such as Rituximab and Obinutuzumab, which induce B-cell depletion via antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), and apoptosis (DrugBank: DB00073). These treatments have revolutionized the management of hematologic cancers and autoimmune diseases like Multiple Sclerosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis, though they carry risks of infusion reactions and immunosuppression (PubMed: 30545715). Because CD20 is not shed or internalized upon antibody binding, it remains an ideal target for sustained immune-mediated clearance of pathogenic B-cells. Recent advancements include bispecific antibodies and CAR-T cell therapies that further exploit CD20 expression to treat refractory cases of lymphoma.

Other names

B-lymphocyte cell surface antigen B1MS4A1Bp35Leu-16B1Membrane-spanning 4-domains subfamily A member 1

B-cell depletion via antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP), and induction of direct apoptosis (DrugBank: DB00073).