Rituximab ELISA Kit

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

Rituximab also known as anti-CD20 is a monoclonal antibody that targets the CD20 protein expressed on the surface of B cells. The CD20 protein is a non-glycosylated phosphoprotein with a mass of approximately 33 to 37 kilodaltons. It is expressed in both normal and malignant B cells from the pre-B-cell stage through the mature B-cell stage. The protein is absent in pro-B cells and plasma cells which helps in the specific targeting of B cells without affecting the stem cells or other immune cells.

Biological function summary

Rituximab depletes B cells by inducing cell lysis through mechanisms like antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC). Rituximab’s binding to CD20 leads to B cell apoptosis. As part of the immune system B cells produce antibodies; hence B cell depletion affects humoral immunity. However this depletion allows for the reduction of abnormal B cells in conditions like cancer and autoimmune diseases where aberrant B cell activity plays a harmful role.

Pathways

CD20 does not belong to a multi-component signaling complex but plays a role in calcium signaling in B cells. It modulates calcium influx which is critical for B cell activation and regulation. The pathways involving CD20 are associated with B-cell receptor signaling an essential mechanism regulating B cell survival and proliferation. Other proteins like SYK and BLNK are involved in the extended signaling cascade triggered by B-cell receptor activation.

Associated diseases and disorders

Rituximab plays an important role in the treatment of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas and rheumatoid arthritis. It targets and removes malignant B cells in lymphoma offering an effective therapy alongside traditional chemotherapies. In rheumatoid arthritis rituximab reduces B cell-mediated inflammation and tissue damage. Rituximab's specificity for CD20 allows it to reduce disease-associated B cells without destroying all B cells minimizing unintended consequences on the immune system.