CD20 monoclonal antibody

B-lymphocyte antigen CD20 (also known as MS4A1; Membrane-spanning 4-domains subfamily A member 1) is a cell surface phosphoprotein involved in the regulation of B cell activation and proliferation. It is commonly used as a marker to identify B cells and is expressed throughout B cell development, up until their differentiation into plasma cells. CD20 has no known ligand, and its expression and function are largely conserved between human and mouse. Evidence suggests that CD20 is necessary for store operated calcium (SOC) entry, which leads to elevated cytoplasmic calcium levels required for B cell activation . Anti-CD20 antibody immunotherapy depletes B cells by activation of the innate monocytic network and is a common treatment for B cell lymphomas, leukemias, and autoimmune diseases.