Application of anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies in the treatment of lymphoproliferative diseases

Abstract

Out of numerous studied monoclonal antibodies, only a few reached the stage of clinical application. The CD20 molecule, non-glycolysed phospholipoprotein (usually termed B1), belonging to the tetraspan (TM4SF) family, 35-37 kD, is characteristic for all mature B lymphocytes, including CLL cells. The CD20 receptors, characteristic for 'B' lymphoproliferative diseases, have been demonstrated to be a good target for therapeutic effects to be achieved. Rituximab is a chimeric anti-CD20 IgG1 monoclonal antibody, with the sequences of the human constant region and sequences of the murine variable region. It is specifically bound to the B-lymphocyte CD20 antigen. The mechanism of all rituximab antitumor activity has not been established, but ADCC and CDC are believed to be the principal, with possible complementary effects. Therapeutic use of anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies has demonstrated a significant benefit in the patients with 'B' CD20 positive lymphoproliferative diseases. Rituximab is today a golden standard for the comparation with other treatment modalities, increasingly in combination with chemotherapy.

Keywords

• Lymphoproliferative Disorders
• Antibodies
• Monoclonal
• Antigens
• CD20