Anti-CD20 Antibody

This antibody recognizes a protein of 33-37kDa, identified as CD20. The epitope is similar to or identical to that recognized by other CD20 antibodies including Leu-16 and B1. This antibody can be used for immunophenotyping of leukemia and malignant cells, B lymphocyte detection in peripheral blood, Bcell localization in tissues and B lymphocyte purification by immunosorbent methods. CD20 is a non-Ig differentiation antigen of B-cells and its expression is restricted to normal and neoplastic B-cells, being absent from all other leukocytes and tissues. It is expressed by pre B-cells and persists during all stages of B-cell maturation but is lost upon terminal differentiation into plasma cells. Protein passes through the membrane 4 times with both ends in cytoplasm and exposes one short and one longer loop to the external environment. CD20 is not glycosylated in resting B-cells and its cytoplasmic domains are differentially phosphorylated upon activation. It acts as a calcium channel involved in B-cell activation and cell cycle progression.