Anti-Human CD20 - APC

CD20 is a 33-37 kD transmembrane-spanning phosphoprotein that facilitates optimal B-cell immune response against T-independent antigens. It can exist in a complex with MHC class I, MHC class II, CD53, CD81, and CD82. However, CD20 can also form homo-oligomers. It has been suggested that homo-oligomerization of CD20 forms calcium ion channels in the plasma membrane of B cells. CD20 can be useful in diagnosing B-cell lymphomas and leukemias, and is the target of mAbs in the treatment of all B cell lymphomas, leukemias, and B cell-mediated autoimmune diseases. Interestingly, studies show a link between the immune system's B cells and diabetes mellitus in which anti-CD20 antibodies rendered the T cell antibodies dysfunctional and, hence, unable to cause insulin desensitivity by a B cell antibody-modulated autoimmune response.