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B-cell antigens:
Key targets in the fight against
hematologic malignancies

B-cell biology and its role in cancer is an area of intense research at Genentech, a member of the Roche Group. B cells are a fundamental component of the body's immune system. However, like most cells in the body, B cells can become cancerous—leading to diseases such as non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL) and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL).

Additional Resources on this Topic:

B-cell Surface Proteins

GA101

References

Animations

view video B-cell Surface Proteins animation


Targeting B-cell surface antigens that are highly expressed in B-cell malignancies with monoclonal antibodies may lead to1

  • Apoptosis or direct cell death of cancer cells

  • Identification and destruction of the cancer cells by immune-effector cells in a process called antibody-dependent cell–mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC)

  • Facilitation of the binding of the complement system-proteins that destroy the cell membrane integrity-in a process called complement dependent cytotoxicity (CDC)

B-cell–specific proteins, such as CD20, are highly expressed on normal and malignant
B cells.2

CD20 expression is specific to B cells during most stages of B-cell development3

  • CD20 is typically not internalized, downregulated, or shed3

  • CD20 is highly expressed on malignancies of B-cell precursors and mature B cells, including2-4:

    • Follicular NHL, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and CLL

Next: GA101