Which drug targets CD20 on B-cells and induces apoptosis?

Rituximab (Rituxan) is the drug that specifically targets CD20, a protein expressed on the surface of B-cells. By binding to CD20, rituximab activates mechanisms that lead to the destruction of these B-cells, including direct induction of apoptosis. This mechanism is particularly useful in treating conditions like non-Hodgkin lymphoma and certain autoimmune diseases, where B-cells play a critical role in the pathology.

The other drugs mentioned do not target CD20 or work through similar mechanisms. Bevacizumab (Avastin) is an anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) antibody used primarily for inhibiting angiogenesis in tumors, rather than directly targeting B-cells. Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) is a PD-1 inhibitor that boosts the immune response against tumors, but it does not specifically interact with B-cells or CD20. Trastuzumab (Herceptin), on the other hand, targets the HER2 protein found on some breast cancer cells, and again does not relate to the targeting of B-cells.

Thus, the ability of rituximab to induce apoptosis in B-cells makes it an effective treatment option in certain malignancies and