CD79a

• CD79a expression in mantle zone B cells in a germinal center.
• CD79a expression in a lymph node. Note stronger staining on mantle zone B cells and weaker staining on germinal center B cells.
• CD79a expression in a lymph node. Note stronger staining on mantle zone B cells and weaker staining on germinal center B cells.

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Synonyms

• MB-1

Expression in Normal Tissues

• B lymphocytes and plasma cells. (mantle zone B cells typically show stronger CD79a expression than germinal center B cells)

Expression in Neoplastic Entities

• Benign
• Intermediate/Uncertain Malignant Potential
• Malignant

Practical Uses / Panels

• Is considered a "pan-B cell" marker because it is expressed from immature pre-B lymphocytes to mature B lymphocytes and even to plasma cells. In contrast, CD20 is considered a mature B cell marker since its not expressed on immature precursor cells; CD20 expression is lost in differentiation from a mature B lymphocyte to a plasma cell.

• Used to identify B lymphocytes after Rituximab (anti-CD20 antibody) has been administered for treating B cell lymphomas (B lyphocytes do not reliably stain CD20 after Rituximab use)