The CD20 antigen is a membrane-embedded, non-glycosylated phosphoprotein, 33-37 kDa. CD20 functions as a Ca2+-permeable cation channel, involved in the regulation of B-cell activation, proliferation and differentiation. CD20 appears on the surface of the pre-B lymphocyte between the time of light chain rearrangement and expression of intact surface immunoglobulin and is lost just before terminal B-cell differentiation into plasma cells. Surface expression of CD20 on activated B cells is approximately 4-fold greater than that found on resting B cells. CD20 is virtually specific for normal B-cells. A weak expression has been demonstrated in a subpopulation of T-cells, but not in any other cell type.