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Immunology of anti-CD20 therapies: from mechanisms to clinical applications

Kamila Żur-Wyrozumska

Affiliation and address for correspondence
Aktualn Neurol 2025; 25 (3): 100–106
DOI: 10.15557/AN.2025.0017
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Abstract

B lymphocytes are specialised leukocytes essential to the adaptive immune response, characterised by specificity and memory, in contrast to innate immunity. They mediate humoral immunity by targeting extracellular pathogens, while T lymphocytes are pivotal in intracellular antigen destruction and immune regulation. The differentiation of B cells begins with hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), pluripotent cells in the bone marrow that generate all blood cell lineages. HSCs differentiate into myeloid and lymphoid lineages, giving rise to B and T lymphocytes. During development, B cells acquire antigen-specific receptors (B-cell receptor, BCR) and express CD20, a key surface antigen critical for their identification and therapeutic targeting. Monoclonal antibodies against CD20 are a cornerstone of multiple sclerosis treatment. They deplete B cells, modulate immune responses, and reduce disease activity. Anti-CD20 therapies, including ocrelizumab, ofatumumab, rituximab, and ublituximab, vary in binding site specificity, molecular structure, pharmacokinetics, and administration routes, impacting their efficacy and safety profiles. CD20 is also expressed in a rare subset of T cells with unique pro-inflammatory properties, highlighting its diverse immunological roles. This review explores the biology of CD20-positive lymphocytes, the mechanisms of action of anti-CD20 therapies, and their applications in multiple sclerosis. It discusses the nuances of efficacy, immunogenicity, and adverse effects, including neutropenia and secondary immune dysregulation, providing insights into personalised therapeutic strategies.

Keywords
multiple sclerosis, lymphocyte, monoclonal antibodies

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