The MS4A1 Knockout Raji Polyclonal Cells are a CRISPR/Cas9-edited polyclonal knockout population derived from the human Raji B lymphoblastoid cell line, with disruption of the MS4A1 gene encoding CD20. This polyclonal knockout model eliminates CD20 protein expression, generating a loss-of-function system that retains the heterogeneity of the parental line while enabling controlled studies of B-cell biology.
The Raji cell line, originating from a Burkitt lymphoma patient, is Epstein?CBarr virus-positive and expresses mature B-cell markers including CD19, CD20, and surface immunoglobulin. As a suspension cell line, it serves as a robust model for B-cell malignancies, immune signaling, and lymphomagenesis, and supports efficient CRISPR/Cas9 editing and downstream functional assays.
MS4A1 encodes CD20, a tetraspanin that acts as a calcium-permeable channel and co-modulates B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling. CD20 forms homo-oligomers and interacts with the BCR complex, MHC class II, CD40, and Src kinases like Lyn. Upon BCR stimulation, CD20 facilitates calcium influx, activating SYK, BTK, and PLC??2, which drive PI3K/AKT and NF-??B pathways. Transcriptional regulation by PAX5, EBF1, and IL-4 receptor signaling controls CD20 levels. Downstream targets include MAPK cascades, NFAT, and c-Myc, linking CD20 to proliferation, differentiation, and survival.
In Raji cells, CD20 contributes to oncogenic BCR signaling. Knockout of MS4A1 selectively abolishes CD20 expression without affecting other B-cell markers, enabling dissection of CD20-specific functions in calcium-dependent pathways. This model is relevant for B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis, where anti-CD20 therapies are used.
Applications include flow cytometric assessment of CD20 loss, western blotting for Lyn and AKT, calcium flux assays, proliferation and apoptosis studies, and drug sensitivity testing with rituximab. The polyclonal population is suitable for co-immunoprecipitation of CD20 partners and screening for alternative therapeutics. For technical inquiries or ordering details, please contact Ascent Research.
