B-Lymphocyte Antigen CD20 (MS4A1) Antibody

Background

MS4A1, also known as CD20, is a membrane-bound protein that plays a key role in the regulation of B-cell development, activation, and differentiation. It is predominantly expressed on the surface of B lymphocytes from the pre-B cell stage through to the mature B cell stage, and its expression is lost once B cells differentiate into plasma cells. CD20 is widely studied for its role in both normal immune function and its involvement in a variety of B-cell-related diseases, including non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and autoimmune diseases. MS4A1 is a member of the membrane-spanning 4A (MS4A) family of proteins, which includes several proteins with similar structural features, although their specific functions may differ across cell types and tissues. CD20 has become a major therapeutic target, particularly in B-cell depletion therapies, due to its restricted expression pattern and its role in the immune response. The development of anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies, such as rituximab, has revolutionized the treatment of B-cell malignancies and certain autoimmune conditions.