FMC7 (CD20) Antigen

FMC7 is a transmembrane glycoprotein with a molecular weight of 105 kDa. This antigen was described as a particular conformation of a surface protein encoded by the CD20 gene. FMC7 antibody reactivity to its particular CD20 epitope was found to be dependent of membrane cholesterol level. In circulating blood cells, FMC7 is expressed by a B lymphocyte subpopulation. It is not detected on T lymphocytes, NK cells, polymorphonuclear granulocytes, platelets, nor on erythrocytes. The subpopulation of B lymphocytes expressing the FMC7 antigen expresses surface immunoglobulins, thus defining a stage of maturation of the B lymphocytes distinct from FMC7– B lymphocytes.