It is well-known that antibodies directed against the protein CD20 are used to treat B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma and rheumatoid arthritis. CD20 is expressed by immune cells known as B cells.
Now, a team of researchers led by René van Lier, at the Academic Medical Center, The Netherlands, has determined that CD20 has a nonredundant role in generating optimal B cell immune responses by analyzing a patient lacking the protein.The patient was referred to the Academic Medical Center at four years of age, with a history of intermittent respiratory infections and recurrent bronchopneumonia. Detailed analysis of immune cells from the patient revealed that the B cells lacked CD20 expression due to a mutation in the CD20 gene. These CD20-deficient B cells failed to respond normally to certain stimuli in vitro, specifically those known as T-independent antigens. Further, vaccination of the patient with a T-independent antigen led to a markedly impaired B cell response. The authors therefore conclude that CD20 has an important role in enabling B cells to respond optimally to T-independent antigens and that absence of this protein causes an immunodeficiency characterized by a reduced capacity to make B cell responses to T-independent antigens.
Source-Eurekalert
RAS
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Most parents when told that their child has arthritis find it hard to believe it, as arthritis is regarded an adult's disease.
Most parents when told that their child has arthritis find it hard to believe it, as arthritis is regarded an adult's disease.
Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma
Non Hodgkins Lymphoma is a cancer that affects the lymph tissues. It is made up of a wide array of subtypes.
Non Hodgkins Lymphoma is a cancer that affects the lymph tissues. It is made up of a wide array of subtypes.
