Rituximab, a monoclonal antibody used in B-cell lymphomas and autoimmune diseases, targets:

• A CD19 antigen on all B-lineage cells including plasma cells
• B CD22 on B cells, causing receptor internalisation and direct cytotoxicity
• C CD52 on B and T lymphocytes as well as monocytes
• D CD20 antigen on mature B cells and pre-B cells, sparing plasma cells and stem cells ✓

Explanation

Rituximab is a chimeric anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody. CD20 is expressed on pre-B cells and mature B cells but not on plasma cells or haematopoietic stem cells. Rituximab depletes CD20+ B cells via ADCC, CDC, and apoptosis induction. Since plasma cells (which lack CD20) are not targeted, some antibody production is maintained. CD52 is the target of alemtuzumab; CD22 is targeted by inotuzumab ozogamicin.

Reference: KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, 8th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.