| abstract |
An improved reagent and method for altering B cell function in B cell diseases such as B cell malignancies and autoimmune diseases. The above problems have been solved by providing a monoclonal antibody that specifically binds to CD20, an antigen-binding fragment thereof, and a pharmaceutical composition containing them. The invention further provides methods of using monoclonal antibodies, antigen binding fragments, and pharmaceutical compositions, for example, in a method of depleting B cells or in the treatment of B cell diseases. Also provided are cells, nucleic acids and methods for producing monoclonal antibodies. In one embodiment, the binding density of the mAb or antigen-binding fragment to B cells is greater than the binding density of one or more conventional mAbs (eg, mAb 1F5) to B cells and / or their malignant counterparts. Is at least twice as high. [Selection figure] None |