ABSTRACT
CD22 is a transmembrane sialoglycoprotein and a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily. Its expression is restricted to the B cell lineage and a vast majority of B cell NHLs. CD22 plays a key role in B cell development, survival, and function. Humanized anti-CD22 antibodies were developed to minimize the immunogenicity and to enhance effector interactions during their developments of diagnostic and immunotherapeutic agent. Preclinical test with anti-CD22 antibodies indicates that a single, conjugated or radiolabeled agent has shown preliminary antitumor activity in patients with recurrent and heavily pretreated NHL. Anti-CD22 antibodies were well tolerated, without dose-dependant toxicity. Anti-CD22 antibodies are currently being evaluated in combination with rituximab, and the early results suggest that the combination of the two antibodies are well tolerated and may result in better clinical activity than the single agent alone. Thus, anti-CD22 antibodies are theoretically good candidates alone and in combination with other drugs in the treatment of B cell malignancies. In this review, the physiologic function and characteristics of CD22 antigen as target molecule of guide therapy for NHL, the types of anti-CD22 antibodies in therapy of NHL and the combination use with other antibodies were summarized.