In humans, the MS4A1 gene encodes CD20. CD20 is an activated glycosylated phosphoprotein expressed on the surface of all B cells starting at the pre-B-cell stage (CD45R+, CD117+) and gradually increases in concentration until maturation. The protein has no known natural ligands and its function is to achieve the best B cell immune response, especially against T-independent antigens. It is suspected that it acts as a calcium channel in the cell membrane. It has been shown that CD20 plays a role in the microenvironment interaction of B cells. The MS4A1 gene encodes a membrane that spans members of the 4A gene family. Members of this nascent protein family share common structural features and similar intron/exon splicing boundaries, and exhibit unique expression patterns in hematopoietic and non-lymphoid tissues. This gene encodes a B lymphocyte surface molecule that plays a role in the development and differentiation of B cells into plasma cells. Since CD20 is still present on the cells of most B cell tumors and is not present on other similar T cell tumors, it can be very useful in diagnosing disorders such as B-cell lymphoma and leukemia. However, the presence or absence of CD20 in these tumors is not associated with prognosis, and the progression of the disease is approximately the same in either case. Hodgkin's disease, myeloma and thymoma can also be found in CD20-positive cells. Blontuvetmab (Brandress) is a veterinary monoclonal antibody. The target is cd20. The drug was developed by Aratana Pharmaceuticals.
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