An afucosylated anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody with greater antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and B-cell depletion and lower complement-dependent cytotoxicity than rituximab

► Afucosylated rituximab expressed in Lemna was composed of a single major N-glycan species (GnGn) without detectable fucose or xylose. ► Target cell binding and apoptosis induction were similar between the afucosylated rituximab and rituximab. ► Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and B-cell depletion was increased by the afucosylated rituximab. ► Complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) was attenuated by the afucosylated rituximab. ► The higher ADCC and B-cell depletion suggest a potential improvement in efficacy and potency, while lower CDC may mitigate infusion toxicity.