Common chronic lymphocytic leukemia antigen (cCLLa) (cCLLa)

The common chronic lymphocytic leukemia antigen (cCLLa) is a 69 kDa surface glycoprotein that is highly expressed on the malignant cells of patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and hairy cell leukemia (HCL). It was first characterized in the late 1980s as a disease-restricted marker, as it is not detectable on normal circulating B or T lymphocytes, bone marrow leukocytes, or other forms of leukemia. Due to its high prevalence and specificity for CLL cells, cCLLa has been investigated as a target for immunotherapy, particularly for the development of monoclonal antibodies and immunotoxins. Experimental therapies, such as the CLL2m antibody conjugated to ricin A chain, have demonstrated potent and selective cytotoxic activity against CLL cells in vitro and in animal models. While it remains a promising target for minimal residual disease, it is less commonly discussed in modern clinical practice compared to targets like CD20 or BTK.

Other names

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia-associated antigenB-CLL antigengp69CLL-associated antigen KW-14 (YTHDF2)CLL-associated antigen KW-12 (RPL11)

Targeted delivery of cytotoxic agents (e.g., ricin A chain) via monoclonal antibody binding to the surface antigen, leading to cell death through protein synthesis inhibition.