Inhibitory FcγRIIb and CD20 internalization.

In this issue of Blood, Vaughan et al demonstrate that certain antibodies that are used therapeutically in lymphoma treatment (e.g., rituximab) undergo Fcg receptor IIb (FcgRIIb)–mediated internalization from the B-cell surface in a manner that is independent of activation of FcgRIIb with important implications for the design of antibody-based therapeutics (see figure).