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Liu DL, Wang YJ, Qian SY, Ma SS, Ding MJ, Dong M, Zhang JM, Zhang MZ, Chen QJ, Zhang XD. Clinical features and prognosis of chronic natural killer cell lymphoproliferative disorders. Hematology 2024; 29:2307817. [PMID: 38319083 DOI: 10.1080/16078454.2024.2307817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze the current treatment status and prognostic regression of the chronic NK cell lymphoproliferative disorder (CLPD-NK). METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the clinical features, treatment and prognosis of 18 patients with CLPD-NK who were treated at our Hospital between September 2016 and September 2022. RESULTS Eighteen patients were included: three patients were treated with chemotherapy, five patients underwent immune-related therapy, one patient was treated with glucocorticoids alone, five patients were administered granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, blood transfusion therapy, or anti-infection therapy, followed by observation and follow-up, and four patients were observed without treatment. Fifteen patients survived, including two patients who achieved complete remission (CR) and seven patients who achieved partial remission (PR), of whom one patient progressed to Aggressive NK-cell leukemia (ANKL) and sustained remission after multiple lines of treatment; three patients were not reviewed, of which one patient was still in active disease, three patients developed hemophagocytic syndrome during treatment and eventually died, one of them had positive Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) expression. The 5-years overall survival rate was 83%. CONCLUSION Most patients with CLPD-NK have inert progression and a good prognosis, whereas some patients have a poor prognosis after progressing to ANKL and combined with hemophagocytic syndrome. Abnormal NK cells invading the center suggest a high possibility of ANKL development, and immunosuppressants and hormones are effective treatments for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Lin Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan-Jie Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Si-Yu Qian
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Shan-Shan Ma
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng-Jie Ding
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Dong
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie-Ming Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming-Zhi Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing-Jiang Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xu-Dong Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
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Gabe C, Liu Y, Duncan J, St John M, Lucier KJ, Kimmel D, Kelton JG, Arnold DM. Prevalence and significance of large granular lymphocytes in patients with immune thrombocytopenia. Platelets 2023; 34:2144194. [DOI: 10.1080/09537104.2022.2144194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Gabe
- McMaster Centre for Transfusion Research, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada and
| | - Yang Liu
- McMaster Centre for Transfusion Research, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada and
| | - Joanne Duncan
- McMaster Centre for Transfusion Research, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada and
| | - Melanie St John
- McMaster Centre for Transfusion Research, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada and
| | - Kayla J. Lucier
- McMaster Centre for Transfusion Research, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada and
| | - David Kimmel
- Hamilton Health Sciences, Juravinski site, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - John G. Kelton
- McMaster Centre for Transfusion Research, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada and
| | - Donald M. Arnold
- McMaster Centre for Transfusion Research, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada and
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Gaudio F, Masciopinto P, Bellitti E, Musto P, Arcuti E, Battisti O, Cazzato G, Solombrino A, Laddaga FE, Specchia G, Maiorano E, Ingravallo G. Molecular Features and Diagnostic Challenges in Alpha/Beta T-Cell Large Granular Lymphocyte Leukemia. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232113392. [PMID: 36362180 PMCID: PMC9657804 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Large granular lymphocyte leukemia is a rare chronic lymphoproliferative disease of cytotoxic lymphocytes. The diagnosis, according to the WHO, is based on a persistent (>6 months) increase in the number of LGL cells in the peripheral blood without an identifiable cause. A further distinction is made between T-LGL and NK-LGL leukemia. The molecular sign of LGL leukemia is the mutation of STAT3 and other genes associated with the JAK/STAT pathway. The most common clinical features are neutropenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia, and it is often associated with various autoimmune conditions. It usually has an indolent course. Due to the rarity of the disease, no specific treatment has yet been identified. Immunosuppressive therapy is used and may allow for disease control and long-term survival, but not eradication of the leukemic clone. Here, we discuss the clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, pathophysiology, and different treatment options available for alpha/beta T-LGL leukemia, which is the most common disease (85%), in order to better understand and manage this often misunderstood disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Gaudio
- Hematology Section, Department of Emergency and Transplantation, University of Bari Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Masciopinto
- Hematology Section, Department of Emergency and Transplantation, University of Bari Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Emilio Bellitti
- Section of Pathology, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare, 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Pellegrino Musto
- Hematology Section, Department of Emergency and Transplantation, University of Bari Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Elena Arcuti
- Hematology Section, Department of Emergency and Transplantation, University of Bari Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Olga Battisti
- Hematology Section, Department of Emergency and Transplantation, University of Bari Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Gerardo Cazzato
- Section of Pathology, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare, 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Solombrino
- Section of Pathology, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare, 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | | | - Giorgina Specchia
- School of Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Piazza G. Cesare, 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Eugenio Maiorano
- Section of Pathology, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare, 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Giuseppe Ingravallo
- Section of Pathology, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare, 11, 70124 Bari, Italy
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Gorodetskiy V, Sidorova Y, Biderman B, Kupryshina N, Ryzhikova N, Sudarikov A. STAT3 mutations in “gray-zone” cases of T-cell large granular lymphocytic leukemia associated with autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:1000265. [PMID: 36117975 PMCID: PMC9471006 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1000265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
A persistently increased T-cell large granular lymphocyte (T-LGL) count in the blood of more than 2 × 109/L for at least 6 months is necessary for a reliable diagnosis of T-LGL leukemia. In cases with LGL counts of approximately 0.5–2 × 109/L, a diagnosis of T-LGL leukemia can be made if clonal rearrangement of T-cell receptor (TCR) genes is present and if the patient shows typical manifestations of T-LGL leukemia, such as cytopenia, splenomegaly, or concomitant autoimmune disease. However, in cases with LGL counts of less than 0.5 × 109/L, the diagnosis of T-LGL leukemia is questionable (termed as “gray-zone” cases). Although mutations in signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) gene are the molecular hallmark of T-LGL leukemia, their diagnostic value in the “gray-zone” cases of T-LGL leukemia has not been evaluated – our study has been aimed to examine the prevalence of STAT3 mutations in these cases. Herein, we describe 25 patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases, neutropenia, clonal rearrangement of TCR genes, and circulating LGL count of less than 0.5 × 109/L. Splenomegaly was observed in 19 (76%) patients. Mutations in the STAT3 were detected in 56% of patients using next-generation sequencing. Importantly, in 3 patients, no involvement of the blood and bone marrow by malignant LGLs was noted, but examination of splenic tissue revealed infiltration by clonal cytotoxic T-lymphocytes within the red pulp, with greater prominence in the cords. We suggest using the term “splenic variant of T-LGL leukemia” for such cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vadim Gorodetskiy
- Department of Intensive Methods of Therapy, V.A. Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology, Moscow, Russia
- *Correspondence: Vadim Gorodetskiy,
| | - Yulia Sidorova
- Laboratory of Molecular Hematology, National Medical Research Center for Hematology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Bella Biderman
- Laboratory of Molecular Hematology, National Medical Research Center for Hematology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Natalia Kupryshina
- Hematopoiesis Immunology Laboratory, Russian Cancer Research Center N.N. Blokhin, Moscow, Russia
| | - Natalya Ryzhikova
- Laboratory of Molecular Hematology, National Medical Research Center for Hematology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrey Sudarikov
- Laboratory of Molecular Hematology, National Medical Research Center for Hematology, Moscow, Russia
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5
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Jaensch SM, Hayward DA, Boyd SP. Clinicopathologic and immunophenotypic features in dogs with presumptive large granular lymphocyte leukaemia. Aust Vet J 2022; 100:527-532. [DOI: 10.1111/avj.13199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- SM Jaensch
- Vetnostics 60 Waterloo Road, North Ryde New South Wales 2113 Australia
| | - DA Hayward
- Vetnostics 60 Waterloo Road, North Ryde New South Wales 2113 Australia
| | - SP Boyd
- QML Vetnostics 11 Riverview Place, Metroplex on Gateway, Murarrie Queensland 4172 Australia
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Krenn M, Gelpi E, Simonitsch-Klupp I, Kasprian G, Zulehner G, Grisold A, Zimprich F, Cetin H, Hülsmann M, Wohlfarth P. Muscle involvement in T-cell large granular lymphocytic leukemia presenting with asymmetric limb-girdle weakness and scapular winging. Muscle Nerve 2022; 66:E18-E21. [PMID: 35906958 DOI: 10.1002/mus.27690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Krenn
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ellen Gelpi
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Gregor Kasprian
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gudun Zulehner
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anna Grisold
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Fritz Zimprich
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hakan Cetin
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Hülsmann
- Clinical Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Philipp Wohlfarth
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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7
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Couette N, Jarjour W, Brammer JE, Simon Meara A. Pathogenesis and Treatment of T-Large Granular Lymphocytic Leukemia (T-LGLL) in the Setting of Rheumatic Disease. Front Oncol 2022; 12:854499. [PMID: 35747794 PMCID: PMC9209697 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.854499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A complex relationship exists between rheumatic diseases and cancer. This delicate balance between chronic inflammation and malignant cell transformation in hematologic neoplasms has been observed, but is not well defined. Large Granular Lymphocyte (LGL) leukemia is at the intersection of a clonal lymphoproliferative disease, chronic inflammation, and autoimmunity. The association between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the spectrum of Felty’s Syndrome is well-known. Other rheumatic disorders have been reported including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjogren’s Syndrome (SS), vasculitis, Behcet’s Disease (BD) and systemic sclerosis. The association between T-LGLL and rheumatic disease pathogenesis has been hypothesized, but has not yet been fully understood. Components of a shared pathogenesis includes chronic antigen stimulation, JAK-STAT pathway activation and overlap of various cytokines. We will summarize current knowledge on the molecular understanding between T-LGLL and rheumatic disease. There are many potential areas of research to help meet this need and lead to development of targeted therapeutic options.
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8
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Moosic KB, Ananth K, Andrade F, Feith DJ, Darrah E, Loughran TP. Intersection Between Large Granular Lymphocyte Leukemia and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Front Oncol 2022; 12:869205. [PMID: 35646651 PMCID: PMC9136414 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.869205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Large granular lymphocyte (LGL) leukemia, a rare hematologic malignancy, has long been associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and the diseases share numerous common features. This review aims to outline the parallels and comparisons between the diseases as well as discuss the potential mechanisms for the relationship between LGL leukemia and RA. RA alone and in conjunction with LGL leukemia exhibits cytotoxic T-cell (CTL) expansions, HLA-DR4 enrichment, RA-associated autoantibodies, female bias, and unknown antigen specificity of associated T-cell expansions. Three possible mechanistic links between the pathogenesis of LGL leukemia and RA have been proposed, including LGL leukemia a) as a result of longstanding RA, b) as a consequence of RA treatment, or c) as a driver of RA. Several lines of evidence point towards LGL as a driver of RA. CTL involvement in RA pathogenesis is evidenced by citrullination and granzyme B cleavage that modifies the repertoire of self-protein antigens in target cells, particularly neutrophils, killed by the CTLs. Further investigations of the relationship between LGL leukemia and RA are warranted to better understand causal pathways and target antigens in order to improve the mechanistic understanding and to devise targeted therapeutic approaches for both disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine B. Moosic
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Kusuma Ananth
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore MD, United States
| | - Felipe Andrade
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore MD, United States
| | - David J. Feith
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Erika Darrah
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore MD, United States
| | - Thomas P. Loughran
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States
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9
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Magnano L, Rivero A, Matutes E. Large Granular Lymphocytic Leukemia: Current State of Diagnosis, Pathogenesis and Treatment. Curr Oncol Rep 2022; 24:633-644. [PMID: 35212923 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-021-01159-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This manuscript aims at updating the knowledge on the clinico-biological characteristics, pathogenesis, and the diagnostic challenges of T-LGLL and CLPD-NK disorders and reviews the advances in the management and treatment of these patients. RECENT FINDINGS It has been shown that clonal large granular lymphocyte (LGL) expansions arise from chronic antigenic stimulation, leading to resistance to apoptosis. All the above findings have facilitated the diagnosis of LGLL and provided insights in the pathogenesis of the disease. At present, there is no standard first-line therapy for the disease. Immunosuppressive agents are the treatment routinely used in clinical practice. However, these agents have a limited capacity to eradicate the LGL clone and induce long-lasting remission. Advances in the knowledge of pathogenesis have made it possible to explore new therapeutic targets with promising results. Since LGLL is a rare disease, international efforts are needed to carry on prospective clinical trials with new potentially active drugs that could include a large number of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Magnano
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrea Rivero
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Estella Matutes
- Hematopathology Unit, Department of Pathology, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona University, Villarroel, 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain.
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Isolated anemia in patients with large granular lymphocytic leukemia (LGLL). Blood Cancer J 2022; 12:30. [PMID: 35194022 PMCID: PMC8863822 DOI: 10.1038/s41408-022-00632-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with large granular lymphocytic leukemia (LGLL) frequently present with neutropenia. When present, anemia is usually accompanied by neutropenia and/or thrombocytopenia and isolated anemia is uncommon. We evaluated a cohort of 244 LGLL patients spanning 15 years and herein report the clinicopathologic features of 34 (14%) with isolated anemia. The patients with isolated anemia showed a significantly male predominance (p = 0.001), a lower level of hemoglobulin (p < 0.0001) and higher MCV (p = 0.017) and were less likely to have rheumatoid arthritis (p = 0.023) compared to the remaining 210 patients. Of the 34 LGLL patients with isolated anemia, 13 (38%) presented with pure red cell aplasia (PRCA), markedly decreased reticulocyte count and erythroid precursors, and more transfusion-dependence when compared to non-PRCA patients. There was no other significant clinicopathologic difference between PRCA and non-PRCA patients. 32 patients were followed for a median duration of 51 months (6-199). 24 patients were treated (11/11 PRCA and 13/21 non-PRCA patients, p < 0.02). The overall response rate to first-line therapy was 83% [8/11 (72.7%) for PRCA, 12/13 (92.3%) for non-PRCA], including 14 showing complete response and 6 showing partial response with a median response duration of 48 months (12-129). Half of non-PRCA patients who were observed experienced progressive anemia. During follow-up, no patients developed neutropenia; however, 5/27 (18.5%) patients developed thrombocytopenia. No significant difference in overall survival was noted between PRCA and non-PRCA patients. In summary, this study demonstrates the unique features of LGLL with isolated anemia and underscores the importance of recognizing LGLL as a potential cause of isolated anemia, which may benefit from disease-specific treatment. LGLL patients with PRCA were more likely to require treatment but demonstrated similar clinicopathologic features, therapeutic responses, and overall survival compared to isolated anemia without PRCA, suggesting PRCA and non-PRCA of T-LGLL belong to a common disease spectrum.
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11
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Rahul E, Ningombam A, Acharya S, Tanwar P, Ranjan A, Chopra A. Large granular lymphocytic leukemia: a brief review. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BLOOD RESEARCH 2022; 12:17-32. [PMID: 35291253 PMCID: PMC8918699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
LGL leukemia is a rare chronic lymphoproliferative disorder of cytotoxic lymphocytes which can be immunophenotypically either T cell or NK cell-derived. According to the World Health Organization classification, it can be divided into three subtypes: chronic T-cell leukemia and chronic natural killer cell lymphocytosis, and aggressive natural killer cell LGL leukemia. Clonal proliferation of large granular lymphocytes can be because of stimulation of various molecular pathways namely JAK-STAT3 pathway, FAS/FAS-L pathway, RAS-RAF-1-MEK1-ERK pathway, PI3K/AKT pathway, NF-KB pathway, and Sphingolipid Rheostat pathways. The most common clinical features presenting with this leukemia are neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia. This leukemia is also associated with various autoimmune conditions. It usually has an indolent course except for the aggressive NK cell LGL leukemia. The cause of death in the indolent cases was mostly due to infectious complications related to the neutropenia associated with the disease. The rarity of the disease coupled with the availability of only a handful of clinical trials has been a hindrance to the development of a specific treatment. Most of the cases are managed with immunomodulators. The advances in the knowledge of molecular pathways associated with the disease have brought few targeted therapies into the limelight. We discuss here the evolution, epidemiology, demographic profile, pathophysiology, differential diagnosis, the available treatment options along with the survival and prognostic variables which may help us in better understanding and better management of the disease and hopefully, paving the way for a targeted clinical approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekta Rahul
- Laboratory Oncology Unit, Dr. B.R.A.I.R.C.H, All India Institute of Medical SciencesNew Delhi, India
| | - Aparna Ningombam
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, All India Institute of Medical SciencesNew Delhi, India
| | - Shreyam Acharya
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, All India Institute of Medical SciencesNew Delhi, India
| | - Pranay Tanwar
- Laboratory Oncology Unit, Dr. B.R.A.I.R.C.H, All India Institute of Medical SciencesNew Delhi, India
| | - Amar Ranjan
- Laboratory Oncology Unit, Dr. B.R.A.I.R.C.H, All India Institute of Medical SciencesNew Delhi, India
| | - Anita Chopra
- Laboratory Oncology Unit, Dr. B.R.A.I.R.C.H, All India Institute of Medical SciencesNew Delhi, India
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12
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Pflug N, Littauer A, Beverungen D, Sretenovic A, Wahnschaffe L, Braun T, Dechow A, Jungherz D, Otte M, Monecke A, Bach E, Franke GN, Schwind S, Jentzsch M, Platzbecker U, Herling M, Vucinic V. Case Report: Large Granular Lymphocyte Leukemia (LGLL)-A Case Series of Challenging Presentations. Front Oncol 2022; 11:775313. [PMID: 35070980 PMCID: PMC8767099 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.775313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Large granular lymphocyte leukemia (LGLL) represents a rare group of diseases with considerable difficulties in their correct diagnostic workup and therapy. The major challenges lie in their distinction from reactive (including autoimmune) lymphoproliferations. Moreover, monoclonal LGL proliferative diseases are in fact a heterogeneous group of disorders, as recognized by the three subtypes in the current WHO classification. It distinguishes two chronic forms (the focus of this case series), namely T-LGLL and chronic lymphoproliferative disorders of Natural Killer cells (CLPD-NK) as well as aggressive NK-cell leukemia. In the clinical routine, the variable presentations and phenotypes of T-LGLL and CLPD-NK are underappreciated. The relevant differential diagnoses range from benign reactive T-cell expansions to other mature T-cell leukemias to highly aggressive γδ-lymphomas. T-LGLL or CLPD-NK patients suffer from a wide variety of symptoms often including, but not limited to, cytopenias or classical autoimmune phenomena. They receive treatments ranging from mere supportive measures (e.g. antibiotics, growth factors, transfusions) over strategies of immunosuppression up to anti-leukemic therapies. The diagnostic pitfalls range from recognition of the subtle T-cell proliferation, repeated establishment of monoclonality, assignment to a descript immunophenotypic pattern, and interpretations of molecular aberrancies. Here, we report a series of selected cases to represent the spectrum of LGLL. The purpose is to raise awareness among the scientifically or practically interested readers of the wide variety of clinical, immunological, and phenotypic features of the various forms of LGLL, e.g. of T-cell type, including its γδ forms or those of NK-lineage. We highlight the characteristics and courses of four unique cases from two academic centers, including those from a prospective nationwide LGLL registry. Each case of this instructive catalogue serves to transport a key message from the areas of (chronic inflammatory) contexts in which LGLL can arise as well as from the fields of differential diagnostics and of various treatment options. Implications for optimization in these areas are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natali Pflug
- Department I of Internal Medicine and Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Köln Düsseldorf, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Annika Littauer
- Department I of Internal Medicine and Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Köln Düsseldorf, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine, GK Mittelrhein, Koblenz, Germany
| | - David Beverungen
- Clinic of Hematology, Cellular Therapy, and Hemostaseology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Linus Wahnschaffe
- Department I of Internal Medicine and Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Köln Düsseldorf, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Till Braun
- Department I of Internal Medicine and Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Köln Düsseldorf, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Annika Dechow
- Department I of Internal Medicine and Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Köln Düsseldorf, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Dennis Jungherz
- Department I of Internal Medicine and Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Köln Düsseldorf, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Moritz Otte
- Department I of Internal Medicine and Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Köln Düsseldorf, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Astrid Monecke
- Institute of Pathology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Enrica Bach
- Clinic of Hematology, Cellular Therapy, and Hemostaseology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Georg-Nikolaus Franke
- Clinic of Hematology, Cellular Therapy, and Hemostaseology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sebastian Schwind
- Clinic of Hematology, Cellular Therapy, and Hemostaseology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Madlen Jentzsch
- Clinic of Hematology, Cellular Therapy, and Hemostaseology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Uwe Platzbecker
- Clinic of Hematology, Cellular Therapy, and Hemostaseology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Marco Herling
- Department I of Internal Medicine and Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Köln Düsseldorf, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Clinic of Hematology, Cellular Therapy, and Hemostaseology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Vladan Vucinic
- Clinic of Hematology, Cellular Therapy, and Hemostaseology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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13
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Giudice V, Risitano AM, Selleri C. Infectious Agents and Bone Marrow Failure: A Causal or a Casual Connection? Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:757730. [PMID: 34805223 PMCID: PMC8599277 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.757730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Acquired bone marrow failure (BMF) syndromes are considered immune-mediated disorders because hematological recovery after immunosuppressive therapies is the strongest indirect evidence of the involvement of immune cells in marrow failure development. Among pathophysiology hypotheses, immune derangement after chronic antigen exposure or cross-reactivity between viral particles and cellular components are the most accepted; however, epitopes against whom these lymphocytes are directed to remain unknown. In this study, we showed that BMF-associated immunodominant clones, namely the most represented T cells carrying an antigen-specific T-cell receptor (TCR) sequence in a random pool, were frequently associated with those described in various infectious diseases, such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. We hypothesize that these pathogens might elicit an autoimmune response triggered by cross-reactivity between pathogen-related components and proteins or might be expanded as an unspecific response to a global immune dysregulation during BMF. However, those frequent intracellular pathogens might not only be passengers in marrow failure development, while playing a central role in starting the autoimmune response against hematopoietic stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Giudice
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry Scuola Medica Salernitana, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy.,Hematology and Transplant Center, University Hospital San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona, Salerno, Italy
| | - Antonio M Risitano
- Hematology and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Unit, AORN San Giuseppe Moscati, Avellino, Italy.,Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Carmine Selleri
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry Scuola Medica Salernitana, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy.,Hematology and Transplant Center, University Hospital San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona, Salerno, Italy
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14
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Fattizzo B, Bellani V, Pasquale R, Giannotta JA, Barcellini W. Large Granular Lymphocyte Expansion in Myeloid Diseases and Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes: Whoever Seeks Finds. Front Oncol 2021; 11:748610. [PMID: 34660312 PMCID: PMC8517436 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.748610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Large granular lymphocytes (LGL) are lymphoid cells characterized by either a T-cell or a natural killer phenotype whose expansion may be reactive to toxic, infectious, and neoplastic conditions, or result from clonal selection. Recently, the higher attention to LGL clones led to their detection in many clinical conditions including myeloid neoplasms and bone marrow failures. In these contexts, it is still unclear whether LGL cells actively contribute to anti-stem cell autoimmunity or are only a reaction to dysplastic/leukemic myelopoiesis. Moreover, some evidence exists about a common clonal origin of LGL and myeloid clones, including the detection of STAT3 mutations, typical of LGL, in myeloid precursors from myelodysplastic patients. In this article we reviewed available literature regarding the association of LGL clones with myeloid neoplasms (myelodysplastic syndromes, myeloproliferative neoplasms, and acute myeloid leukemias) and bone marrow failures (aplastic anemia and pure red cell aplasia, PRCA) focusing on evidence of pathogenic, clinical, and prognostic relevance. It emerged that LGL clones may be found in up to one third of patients, particularly those with PRCA, and are associated with a more cytopenic phenotype and good response to immunosuppression. Pathogenically, LGL clones seem to expand after myeloid therapies, whilst immunosuppression leading to LGL depletion may favor leukemic escape and thus requires caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Fattizzo
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Hematology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Bellani
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Raffaella Pasquale
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Wilma Barcellini
- Hematology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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15
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Horiuchi Y, Hayashi F, Iwasaki Y, Matsuzaki A, Nishibe K, Kaniyu K, Marutani S, Saito K, Matsuoka S, Uchihashi K, Miida T, Ai T, Tabe Y. Peripheral granular lymphocytopenia and dysmorphic leukocytosis as simple prognostic markers in COVID-19. Int J Lab Hematol 2021; 43:1309-1318. [PMID: 34523805 PMCID: PMC8653062 DOI: 10.1111/ijlh.13696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Developing prognostic markers can be useful for clinical decision‐making. Peripheral blood (PB) examination is simple and basic that can be performed in any facility. We aimed to investigate whether PB examination can predict prognosis in coronavirus disease (COVID‐19). Methods Complete blood count (CBC) and PB cell morphology were examined in 38 healthy controls (HCs) and 40 patients with COVID‐19. Patients with COVID‐19, including 26 mild and 14 severe cases, were hospitalized in Juntendo University Hospital (Tokyo, Japan) between April 1 and August 6, 2020. PB examinations were performed using Sysmex XN‐3000 automated hematology analyzer and Sysmex DI‐60 employing the convolutional neural network‐based automatic image‐recognition system. Results Compared with mild cases, severe cases showed a significantly higher incidence of anemia, lymphopenia, and leukocytosis (P < .001). Granular lymphocyte counts were normal or higher in mild cases and persistently decreased in fatal cases. Temporary increase in granular lymphocytes was associated with survival of patients with severe infection. Red cell distribution width was significantly higher in severe cases than in mild cases (P < .001). Neutrophil dysplasia was consistently observed in COVID‐19 cases, but not in HCs. Levels of giant neutrophils and toxic granulation/Döhle bodies were increased in severe cases. Conclusion Basic PB examination can be useful to predict the prognosis of COVID‐19, by detecting SARS‐CoV‐2 infection‐induced multi‐lineage changes in blood cell counts and morphological anomalies. These changes were dynamically correlated with disease severity and may be associated with disruption of hematopoiesis and the immunological system due to bone marrow stress in severe infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Horiuchi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
| | | | | | - Akihiko Matsuzaki
- Department of Next Generation Haematology Laboratory Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
| | - Kumiko Nishibe
- Department of Next Generation Haematology Laboratory Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
| | - Kimiko Kaniyu
- Department of Next Generation Haematology Laboratory Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
| | - Setsuko Marutani
- Department of Next Generation Haematology Laboratory Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
| | - Kaori Saito
- Department of Next Generation Haematology Laboratory Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
| | - Sachiko Matsuoka
- Department of Next Generation Haematology Laboratory Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
| | | | - Takashi Miida
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
| | - Tomohiko Ai
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
| | - Yoko Tabe
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Japan.,Department of Next Generation Haematology Laboratory Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
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16
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The Value of Flow Cytometry Clonality in Large Granular Lymphocyte Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13184513. [PMID: 34572739 PMCID: PMC8468916 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Large granular lymphocyte (LGL) leukemia, a lymphoproliferative disease, is characterized by an increased frequency of large-sized lymphocytes with typical expression of T-cell receptor (TCR) αβ, CD3, CD8, CD16, CD45RA, and CD57, and with the expansion of one to three subfamilies of the TCR variable β chain reflecting gene rearrangements. Molecular analysis remains the gold standard for confirmation of TCR clonality; however, flow cytometry is time and labor saving, and can be associated with simultaneous investigation of other surface markers. Moreover, Vβ usage by flow cytometry can be employed for monitoring clonal kinetics during treatment and follow-up of LGL leukemia patients. Abstract Large granular lymphocyte (LGL) leukemia is a lymphoproliferative disorder of mature T or NK cells frequently associated with autoimmune disorders and other hematological conditions, such as myelodysplastic syndromes. Immunophenotype of LGL cells is similar to that of effector memory CD8+ T cells with T-cell receptor (TCR) clonality defined by molecular and/or flow cytometric analysis. Vβ usage by flow cytometry can identify clonal TCR rearrangements at the protein level, and is fast, sensitive, and almost always available in every Hematology Center. Moreover, Vβ usage can be associated with immunophenotypic characterization of LGL clone in a multiparametric staining, and clonal kinetics can be easily monitored during treatment and follow-up. Finally, Vβ usage by flow cytometry might identify LGL clones silently underlying other hematological conditions, and routine characterization of Vβ skewing might identify recurrent TCR rearrangements that might trigger aberrant immune responses during hematological or autoimmune conditions.
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17
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Dong N, Castillo Tokumori F, Isenalumhe L, Zhang Y, Tandon A, Knepper TC, Mo Q, Shao H, Zhang L, Sokol L. Large granular lymphocytic leukemia - A retrospective study of 319 cases. Am J Hematol 2021; 96:772-780. [PMID: 33819354 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.26183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Large granular lymphocytic leukemia (LGLL) is a rare hematological malignancy that arises from cytotoxic T lymphocytes (T-LGLL) in 85% of cases and natural killer (NK) cells in the rest. A significant knowledge gap exists regarding the pathogenesis, treatment choices, and prognostic factors of LGLL. We report a cohort of 319 consecutive LGLL patients who presented to our cancer center between 2001 and 2020. A total of 295 patients with T-LGLL and 24 with chronic NK-cell lymphoproliferative disorder (CLPD-NK) were identified. The median age was 65 years (range, 17-90 years). Eighty-three patients (26.0%) had autoimmune diseases. A total of 119 patients (37.3%) had coexisting malignancies, 66 (20.7%) had solid tumors, and 59 (18.5%) had hematological malignancies. Most coexisting malignancies were diagnosed before the diagnosis of LGLL. Treatment was needed for 57% of patients. Methotrexate (MTX), cyclophosphamide (Cy), and cyclosporine A (CSA) were most used and had similar response rates between 61.5%-74.4%. Cy produced more complete responses (32.3%) compared to MTX and CSA (15.7% and 23.1%, respectively). Thrombocytopenia, splenomegaly, and female gender (after controlling for autoimmune diseases) were associated with decreased response rates to MTX, CSA, or Cy. Autoimmune diseases were associated with increased response rates. Thrombocytopenia was an independent risk factor for worse survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Dong
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute Tampa Florida USA
- University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine Tampa Florida USA
| | | | - Leidy Isenalumhe
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute Tampa Florida USA
- University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine Tampa Florida USA
| | - Yumeng Zhang
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute Tampa Florida USA
- University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine Tampa Florida USA
| | - Ankita Tandon
- University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine Tampa Florida USA
| | - Todd C. Knepper
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute Tampa Florida USA
- University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine Tampa Florida USA
| | - Qianxing Mo
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute Tampa Florida USA
- University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine Tampa Florida USA
| | - Haipeng Shao
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute Tampa Florida USA
- University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine Tampa Florida USA
| | - Ling Zhang
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute Tampa Florida USA
- University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine Tampa Florida USA
| | - Lubomir Sokol
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute Tampa Florida USA
- University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine Tampa Florida USA
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18
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Untwining Anti-Tumor and Immunosuppressive Effects of JAK Inhibitors-A Strategy for Hematological Malignancies? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13112611. [PMID: 34073410 PMCID: PMC8197909 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway is aberrantly activated in many malignancies. Inhibition of this pathway via JAK inhibitors (JAKinibs) is therefore an attractive therapeutic strategy underlined by Ruxolitinib (JAK1/2 inhibitor) being approved for the treatment of myeloproliferative neoplasms. As a consequence of the crucial role of the JAK-STAT pathway in the regulation of immune responses, inhibition of JAKs suppresses the immune system. This review article provides a thorough overview of the current knowledge on JAKinibs’ effects on immune cells in the context of hematological malignancies. We also discuss the potential use of JAKinibs for the treatment of diseases in which lymphocytes are the source of the malignancy. Abstract The Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway propagates signals from a variety of cytokines, contributing to cellular responses in health and disease. Gain of function mutations in JAKs or STATs are associated with malignancies, with JAK2V617F being the main driver mutation in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). Therefore, inhibition of this pathway is an attractive therapeutic strategy for different types of cancer. Numerous JAK inhibitors (JAKinibs) have entered clinical trials, including the JAK1/2 inhibitor Ruxolitinib approved for the treatment of MPN. Importantly, loss of function mutations in JAK-STAT members are a cause of immune suppression or deficiencies. MPN patients undergoing Ruxolitinib treatment are more susceptible to infections and secondary malignancies. This highlights the suppressive effects of JAKinibs on immune responses, which renders them successful in the treatment of autoimmune diseases but potentially detrimental for cancer patients. Here, we review the current knowledge on the effects of JAKinibs on immune cells in the context of hematological malignancies. Furthermore, we discuss the potential use of JAKinibs for the treatment of diseases in which lymphocytes are the source of malignancies. In summary, this review underlines the necessity of a robust immune profiling to provide the best benefit for JAKinib-treated patients.
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19
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Muñoz-García N, Jara-Acevedo M, Caldas C, Bárcena P, López A, Puig N, Alcoceba M, Fernández P, Villamor N, Flores-Montero JA, Gómez K, Lemes MA, Hernández JC, Álvarez-Twose I, Guerra JL, González M, Orfao A, Almeida J. STAT3 and STAT5B Mutations in T/NK-Cell Chronic Lymphoproliferative Disorders of Large Granular Lymphocytes (LGL): Association with Disease Features. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12123508. [PMID: 33255665 PMCID: PMC7760806 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary STAT3 and STAT5B mutations have been identified in a subset of T and NK large granular lymphocytic leukemia (T/NK-LGLL). The aim of our study was to evaluate the frequency and type of these mutations in all different subtypes of T/NK-LGL expansions (n = 100 patients), as well as to analyze its association with biological and clinical features of the disease. We show for the first time that STAT3/5B mutations were present in all different T/NK-cell LGLL categories here studied; further, STAT3 mutations were associated with overall reduced counts of almost all normal residual populations of immune cells in blood, together with a shorter time-to-therapy vs. wild type T/NK-LGLL. These findings contribute to support the utility of the STAT3 mutation analysis for diagnostic and prognostic purposes in LGLL. Abstract STAT3 and STAT5B (STAT3/STAT5B) mutations are the most common mutations in T-cell large granular lymphocytic leukemia (T-LGLL) and chronic lymphoproliferative disorders of NK cells (CLPD-NK), but their clinical impact remains unknown. We investigated the frequency and type of STAT3/STAT5B mutations in FACS-sorted populations of expanded T/NK-LGL from 100 (82 clonal; 6 oligoclonal; 12 polyclonal) patients, and its relationship with disease features. Seventeen non-LGL T-CLPD patients and 628 age-matched healthy donors were analyzed as controls. STAT3 (n = 30) and STAT5B (n = 1) mutations were detected in 28/82 clonal T/NK-LGLL patients (34%), while absent (0/18, 0%) among oligoclonal/polyclonal LGL-lymphocytosis. Mutations were found across all diagnostic subgroups: TCD8+-LGLL, 36%; CLPD-NK, 38%; TCD4+-LGLL, 7%; Tαβ+DP-LGLL, 100%; Tαβ+DN-LGLL, 50%; Tγδ+-LGLL, 44%. STAT3-mutated T-LGLL/CLPD-NK showed overall reduced (p < 0.05) blood counts of most normal leukocyte subsets, with a higher rate (vs. nonmutated LGLL) of neutropenia (p = 0.04), severe neutropenia (p = 0.02), and cases requiring treatment (p = 0.0001), together with a shorter time-to-therapy (p = 0.0001), particularly in non-Y640F STAT3-mutated patients. These findings confirm and extend on previous observations about the high prevalence of STAT3 mutations across different subtypes of LGLL, and its association with a more marked decrease of all major blood-cell subsets and a shortened time-to-therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemí Muñoz-García
- Translational and Clinical Research Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer and IBMCC (CSIC—University of Salamanca), Cytometry Service, NUCLEUS, Department of Medicine, University of Salamanca (USAL) and Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (N.M.-G.); (M.J.-A.); (C.C.); (P.B.); (A.L.); (J.A.F.-M.); (A.O.)
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre Consortium of Oncology (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (N.P.); (M.A.); (N.V.); (I.Á.-T.); (M.G.)
| | - María Jara-Acevedo
- Translational and Clinical Research Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer and IBMCC (CSIC—University of Salamanca), Cytometry Service, NUCLEUS, Department of Medicine, University of Salamanca (USAL) and Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (N.M.-G.); (M.J.-A.); (C.C.); (P.B.); (A.L.); (J.A.F.-M.); (A.O.)
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre Consortium of Oncology (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (N.P.); (M.A.); (N.V.); (I.Á.-T.); (M.G.)
| | - Carolina Caldas
- Translational and Clinical Research Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer and IBMCC (CSIC—University of Salamanca), Cytometry Service, NUCLEUS, Department of Medicine, University of Salamanca (USAL) and Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (N.M.-G.); (M.J.-A.); (C.C.); (P.B.); (A.L.); (J.A.F.-M.); (A.O.)
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre Consortium of Oncology (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (N.P.); (M.A.); (N.V.); (I.Á.-T.); (M.G.)
| | - Paloma Bárcena
- Translational and Clinical Research Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer and IBMCC (CSIC—University of Salamanca), Cytometry Service, NUCLEUS, Department of Medicine, University of Salamanca (USAL) and Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (N.M.-G.); (M.J.-A.); (C.C.); (P.B.); (A.L.); (J.A.F.-M.); (A.O.)
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre Consortium of Oncology (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (N.P.); (M.A.); (N.V.); (I.Á.-T.); (M.G.)
| | - Antonio López
- Translational and Clinical Research Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer and IBMCC (CSIC—University of Salamanca), Cytometry Service, NUCLEUS, Department of Medicine, University of Salamanca (USAL) and Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (N.M.-G.); (M.J.-A.); (C.C.); (P.B.); (A.L.); (J.A.F.-M.); (A.O.)
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre Consortium of Oncology (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (N.P.); (M.A.); (N.V.); (I.Á.-T.); (M.G.)
| | - Noemí Puig
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre Consortium of Oncology (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (N.P.); (M.A.); (N.V.); (I.Á.-T.); (M.G.)
- Hematology Service, University Hospital of Salamanca, Translational and Clinical Research Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer/IBMCC and IBSAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Miguel Alcoceba
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre Consortium of Oncology (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (N.P.); (M.A.); (N.V.); (I.Á.-T.); (M.G.)
- Hematology Service, University Hospital of Salamanca, Translational and Clinical Research Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer/IBMCC and IBSAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Paula Fernández
- Institut für Labormedizin, Kantonsspital, 5001 Aarau, Switzerland;
| | - Neus Villamor
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre Consortium of Oncology (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (N.P.); (M.A.); (N.V.); (I.Á.-T.); (M.G.)
- Department of Pathology, Hematopathology Unit, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan A. Flores-Montero
- Translational and Clinical Research Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer and IBMCC (CSIC—University of Salamanca), Cytometry Service, NUCLEUS, Department of Medicine, University of Salamanca (USAL) and Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (N.M.-G.); (M.J.-A.); (C.C.); (P.B.); (A.L.); (J.A.F.-M.); (A.O.)
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre Consortium of Oncology (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (N.P.); (M.A.); (N.V.); (I.Á.-T.); (M.G.)
| | - Karoll Gómez
- Hematology Service, Juan Ramón Jiménez Hospital, 21005 Huelva, Spain;
| | - María Angelina Lemes
- Hematology Service, Dr. Negrín Hospital, 35010 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain;
| | | | - Iván Álvarez-Twose
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre Consortium of Oncology (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (N.P.); (M.A.); (N.V.); (I.Á.-T.); (M.G.)
- Instituto de Estudios de Mastocitosis de Castilla La Mancha (CLMast), Virgen del Valle Hospital, 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | - Jose Luis Guerra
- Hematology Service, Virgen de la Luz Hospital, 16002 Cuenca, Spain;
| | - Marcos González
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre Consortium of Oncology (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (N.P.); (M.A.); (N.V.); (I.Á.-T.); (M.G.)
- Hematology Service, University Hospital of Salamanca, Translational and Clinical Research Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer/IBMCC and IBSAL, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Department of Nursery and Physiotherapy, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Alberto Orfao
- Translational and Clinical Research Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer and IBMCC (CSIC—University of Salamanca), Cytometry Service, NUCLEUS, Department of Medicine, University of Salamanca (USAL) and Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (N.M.-G.); (M.J.-A.); (C.C.); (P.B.); (A.L.); (J.A.F.-M.); (A.O.)
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre Consortium of Oncology (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (N.P.); (M.A.); (N.V.); (I.Á.-T.); (M.G.)
| | - Julia Almeida
- Translational and Clinical Research Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer and IBMCC (CSIC—University of Salamanca), Cytometry Service, NUCLEUS, Department of Medicine, University of Salamanca (USAL) and Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (N.M.-G.); (M.J.-A.); (C.C.); (P.B.); (A.L.); (J.A.F.-M.); (A.O.)
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre Consortium of Oncology (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (N.P.); (M.A.); (N.V.); (I.Á.-T.); (M.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-923-294-811 (ext. 5816)
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20
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Zhang Y, Varnadoe C, Tandon A, Forsyth P, Komrokji R, Sokol L. Myasthenia Gravis and Large Granular Lymphocytic Leukemia: a rare association. Leuk Res Rep 2020; 14:100226. [PMID: 33094093 PMCID: PMC7568180 DOI: 10.1016/j.lrr.2020.100226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune neuromuscular junction disorder sometimes observed in hematologic malignancies as a paraneoplastic syndrome. T-cell Large Granular Lymphocytic Leukemia (T-LGLL) is a rare lymphoproliferative clonal frequently associated with autoimmune disorders. Here we report two patients with T-LGLL who developed MG. In both patients the MG was bulbar without generalized weakness and did not involve the thymus. The treatment of T-LGLL led to the resolution of MG symptoms and decrease in acetylcholine receptor antibody titers in both patients suggesting a causative association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumeng Zhang
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa Fl 33612
| | | | - Ankita Tandon
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa Fl 33612
| | | | | | - Lubomir Sokol
- Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa FL 33612
- Corresponding Author: Dr. Lubomir Sokol, Department of Malignant Hematology, Moffitt Cancer Center, 12902 USF Magnolia Dr, Tampa FL 33612
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21
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T-cell clones of uncertain significance are highly prevalent and show close resemblance to T-cell large granular lymphocytic leukemia. Implications for laboratory diagnostics. Mod Pathol 2020; 33:2046-2057. [PMID: 32404954 DOI: 10.1038/s41379-020-0568-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Benign clonal T-cell expansions in reactive immune responses often complicate the laboratory diagnosis T-cell neoplasia. We recently introduced a novel flow cytometry assay to detect T-cell clones in blood and bone marrow, based on the identification of a monophasic T-cell receptor (TCR) β chain constant region-1 (TRBC1) expression pattern within a phenotypically distinct TCRαβ T-cell subset. In routine laboratory practice, T-cell clones of uncertain significance (T-CUS) were detected in 42 of 159 (26%) patients without T-cell malignancy, and in 3 of 24 (13%) healthy donors. Their phenotype (CD8+/CD4-: 78%, CD4-/CD8-: 12%, CD4+/CD8+: 9%, or CD4+/CD8-: 2%) closely resembled that of 26 cases of T-cell large granular lymphocytic leukemia (T-LGLL) studied similarly, except for a much smaller clone size (p < 0.0001), slightly brighter CD2 and CD7, and slightly dimmer CD3 expression (p < 0.05). T-CUS was not associated with age, gender, comorbidities, or peripheral blood counts. TCR-Vβ repertoire analysis confirmed the clonality of T-CUS, and identified additional clonotypic CD8-positive subsets when combined with TRBC1 analysis. We hereby report the phenotypic features and incidence of clonal T-cell subsets in patients with no demonstrable T-cell neoplasia, providing a framework for the differential interpretation of T-cell clones based on their size and phenotypic properties.
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22
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Emergence of Natural Killer Cell Large Granular Lymphocytes during Gilteritinib Treatment in Acute Myeloid Leukemia with FLT3-ITD Mutation. REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/reports3030025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
As the potent, selective Fms-Like Tyrosine Kinase 3 (FLT3) inhibitor gilteritinib has only been approved for use for a few years, its efficacy and complications remain incompletely understood. We herein report an elderly patient with FLT3 internal tandem duplications (FLT3-ITD) mutated acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who developed natural killer cell large granular lymphocytes (NK-LGL) in the bone marrow and peripheral blood during gilteritinib treatment. Case: A 79-year-old Japanese female had been diagnosed with FLT3-ITD-mutated AML. The patient received hydroxycarbamide 2000 mg daily for induction chemotherapy but did not achieve remission at day 28 postinduction. The treatment was then changed to gilteritinib 120 mg daily. Although the reduction of blasts in peripheral blood occurred immediately, it was revealed abnormal lymphocytes with large granules developed in bone marrow and peripheral blood. These lymphocytes were analyzed by flow cytometry, which revealed that these cells were NK-LGL because they expressed CD2, CD7, CD16, and CD56 and did not express CD3, CD19, and CD20. The patient achieved partial remission (PR) in a month with gilteritinib treatment. Leukemia eventually could not be controlled, but PR persisted for about 4 months and leukemia was controlled for 4 months after progression disease (PD) with gilteritinib treatment alone. Conclusion: Gilteritinib may induce the NK-LGL. The exact mechanism and effect of LGL in patients with FLT3 mutated AML treated with gilteritinib warrants further investigation.
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23
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T-cell large granular lymphocyte leukemia in solid organ transplant recipients: case series and review of the literature. Int J Hematol 2019; 110:313-321. [PMID: 31250283 DOI: 10.1007/s12185-019-02682-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
T-cell large granular lymphocyte (T-LGL) leukemia is a rare clonal proliferation of cytotoxic lymphocytes rarely described in solid organ transplant (SOT). We reviewed records from 656 kidney transplant recipients in follow-up at our Center from January 1998 to July 2017. In addition, we researched, through PubMed, further reports of T-LGL leukemia in SOT from March 1981 to December 2017. We identified six cases of T-LGL leukemia in our cohort of patients and 10 in the literature. This lymphoproliferative disorder was detected in one combined liver-kidney, one liver and 14-kidney transplant recipients. Median age at presentation was 46.5 years (IQR 39.2-56.9). The disease developed after a median age of 10 years (IQR 4.9-12) from transplantation. Anemia was the most common presentation (62.5%) followed by lymphocytosis (43.7%) and thrombocytopenia (31.2%). Splenomegaly was reported in 43.7% of the patients. Eight patients (50%) who experienced severe symptoms were treated with non-specific immunosuppressive agents. Six of them (75%) had a good outcome, whereas two (25%) remained red blood cell transfusion dependent. No cases progressed to aggressive T-LGL leukemia or died of cancer at the end of follow-up. These results suggest that T-LGL leukemia is a rare but potentially disruptive hematological disorder in the post-transplant period.
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24
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Li W, Yang L, Harris RS, Lin L, Olson TL, Hamele CE, Feith DJ, Loughran TP, Poss M. Retrovirus insertion site analysis of LGL leukemia patient genomes. BMC Med Genomics 2019; 12:88. [PMID: 31208405 PMCID: PMC6580525 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-019-0549-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Large granular lymphocyte (LGL) leukemia is an uncommon cancer characterized by sustained clonal proliferation of LGL cells. Antibodies reactive to retroviruses have been documented in the serum of patients with LGL leukemia. Culture or molecular approaches have to date not been successful in identifying a retrovirus. Methods Because a retrovirus must integrate into the genome of an infected cell, we focused our efforts on detecting a novel retrovirus integration site in the clonally expanded LGL cells. We present a new computational tool that uses long-insert mate pair sequence data to search the genome of LGL leukemia cells for retrovirus integration sites. We also utilize recently published methods to interrogate the status of polymorphic human endogenous retrovirus type K (HERV-K) provirus in patient genomes. Results Our data show that there are no new retrovirus insertions in LGL genomes of LGL leukemia patients. However, our insertion call tool did detect four HERV-K provirus integration sites that are polymorphic in the human population but absent from the human reference genome, hg19. To determine if the prevalence of these or other polymorphic proviral HERV-Ks differed between LGL leukemia patients and the general population, we used a recently developed tool that reports sites in the human genome occupied by a known proviral HERV-K. We report that there are significant differences in the number of polymorphic HERV-Ks in the genomes of LGL leukemia patients of European origin compared to individuals with European ancestry in the 1000 genomes (KGP) data. Conclusions Our study confirms that the clonal expansion of LGL cells in LGL leukemia is not driven by the integration of a new infectious or endogenous retrovirus, although we do not rule out that these cells are responding to retroviral antigens produced in other cell types. However, our computational analyses revealed that the genomes of LGL leukemia patients carry a higher burden of polymorphic HERV-K proviruses compare to individuals from KGP of European ancestry. Our research emphasizes the merits of comprehensive genomic assessment of HERV-K in cancer samples and suggests that further analyses to determine contributions of HERV-K to LGL leukemia are warranted. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12920-019-0549-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiling Li
- The School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Lei Yang
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.,Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Robert S Harris
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Lin Lin
- Department of Statistics, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Thomas L Olson
- University of Virginia Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, 22908, USA
| | - Cait E Hamele
- University of Virginia Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, 22908, USA
| | - David J Feith
- University of Virginia Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, 22908, USA
| | - Thomas P Loughran
- University of Virginia Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, 22908, USA
| | - Mary Poss
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA. .,Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA. .,University of Virginia Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, 22908, USA.
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25
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Fu J, Lee LX, Zhou P, Fogaren T, Varga C, Comenzo RL. A Case of T-Cell Large Granular Lymphocytic Leukemia and Renal Immunoglobulin Heavy Chain Amyloidosis. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CASE REPORTS 2019; 20:43-47. [PMID: 30631033 PMCID: PMC6345110 DOI: 10.12659/ajcr.912282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Patient: Female, 57 Final Diagnosis: Renal heavy chain amyloidosis Symptoms: Fatigue • proteinuria Medication: — Clinical Procedure: Chemotherapy, consideration of autologous stem cell transplant Specialty: Hematology
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Fu
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.,School of Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA.,Cancer Center in Stoneham, Tufts Medical Center, Stoneham, MA, USA
| | - Lisa X Lee
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.,John C Davis Myeloma and Amyloid Program, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ping Zhou
- John C Davis Myeloma and Amyloid Program, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Teresa Fogaren
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Cindy Varga
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.,School of Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA.,John C Davis Myeloma and Amyloid Program, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Raymond L Comenzo
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.,School of Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA.,John C Davis Myeloma and Amyloid Program, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
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26
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Elliott J, Villiers E. Indolent, T-cell, large granular lymphocytic leukaemia in a dog presenting with severe neutropenia and an absence of lymphocytosis. Open Vet J 2018; 8:118-124. [PMID: 29721441 PMCID: PMC5918120 DOI: 10.4314/ovj.v8i2.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In humans, large granular lymphocytic leukaemia (LGLL) is a low-grade, indolent lymphoproliferative disorder of large granular lymphocytes (LGL) associated with autoimmune disorders; including rheumatoid arthritis and single or multiple cytopenias; particularly neutropenia. Therapy largely centres around immunosuppression which aims to resolve the immune-mediated secondary pathology, often without eradicating the neoplastic clone. The most effective agents appear to be cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine and methotrexate. This case report describes the presentation, diagnostics, therapeutic approach and outcome of a 6 year-old Golden Retriever presenting with severe neutropenia. Chlorambucil, prednisolone and cyclosporine failed to improve the neutropenia but subsequent cyclophosphamide resulted in a sustained albeit temporary improvement in neutrophil count and the ability to withdraw prophylactic antibacterials. This case closely mirrors the diagnostics and therapeutic response in human LGLL.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Elliott
- Willows Veterinary Centre & Referral Service, Highlands Road, Solihull, B90 4NH, UK
| | - Elizabeth Villiers
- Dick White Referrals, Station Farm, London Road, Six Mile Bottom, Cambridgeshire, CB8 0UH, UK
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27
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Turki AT, Rashidi-Alavijeh J, Dürig J, Gerken G, Rath PM, Witzke O. Successful treatment of cerebral aspergillosis: case report of a patient with T-cell large granular lymphocytic leukemia (T-LGL). BMC Infect Dis 2017; 17:797. [PMID: 29281994 PMCID: PMC5745601 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-017-2877-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Invasive aspergillosis involving patients with neutropenia or severe immunosuppression, such as patients with hematologic malignancies is associated with high mortality. Patients with T-cell large granular lymphocytic leukemia (T-LGL) on the other hand are considered to be less vulnerable for severe opportunistic fungal infection as their course of disease is chronic and marked by less violent cytopenia then in e.g. Aplastic Anemia. Only neutropenia is regarded as independent risk factor for severe opportunistic infection in T-LGL patients. Case presentation We report a case of a 53 year old patient with T-LGL, Immune-Thrombocytopenia (ITP) and combined antibody deficiency, who presented with fever and reduced general condition. The patient revealed a complicated infection involving the lungs and later the brain, with the presentation of vomiting and seizures. Broad microbiological testing of blood-, lung- and cerebrospinal fluid samples was inconclusive. In the absence of mycological proof, Aspergillus infection was confirmed by pathological examination of a brain specimen and finally successfully treated with liposomal amphotericin B and voriconazole, adopting a long-term treatment scheme. Conclusions Beyond typical problems in the clinical practice involving fungal infections and hematologic malignancies, this case of invasive aspergillosis in a patient with T-LGL illustrates caveats in diagnosis, therapy and follow-up. Our data support careful ambulatory monitoring for patients with T-LGL, even in the absence of neutropenia. Especially those patients with combined hematologic malignancies and immune defects are at risk. Long-term treatment adhesion for 12 months with sufficient drug levels was necessary for sustained clearance from infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin T Turki
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation, West-German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.
| | | | - Jan Dürig
- Department of Hematology, West-German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Guido Gerken
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Peter-Michael Rath
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Oliver Witzke
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
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28
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Biolo G, Sacco G, Russo I, Alaibac M. Livedoid eruption in a patient affected by T-γδ large granular lymphocyte leukaemia. BMJ Case Rep 2017; 2017:bcr-2017-220051. [PMID: 28882931 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2017-220051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Livedo is an ischaemic dermopathy characterised by a reddish-blue to violaceous mottling of the skin with a net-like reticular appearance. Livedo has been described in association with several medical conditions including lymphoproliferative disorders. Here, we describe the case of a 60-year-old woman who was presented with asymptomatic and persistent livedoid eruption on her trunk, lower and upper extremities as manifestation of an indolent form of T-γδ large granular lymphocyte leukaemia. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing the association between livedo reticularis and T-γδ large granular lymphocyte leukaemia. It is plausible that a pathogenetic role of the neoplastic process is based on a cytotoxic antiendothelial activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Biolo
- Unit of Dermatology, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Giorgia Sacco
- Unit of Dermatology, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Irene Russo
- Unit of Dermatology, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Mauro Alaibac
- Unit of Dermatology, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
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29
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Liu Y, Fan L, Zhao H, Xu W, Li J. Metronomic regimen as an effective treatment for aggressive T-LGL leukemia with central nervous system infiltration: clinical experience and review of literature. Oncotarget 2017; 8:32292-32297. [PMID: 28427176 PMCID: PMC5458284 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
A 71-year-old man was diagnosed with T-Large granular lymphocytic (LGL) leukemia, which usually represents a relatively indolent clinical course. While the clinical manifestation of this patient we report herein was aggressive with lasting fever, splenomegaly and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). T-cell immunophenotype was CD3+CD4-CD8-CD5-CD7-TCRαβ+. After comprehensive evaluation, an adjusted chemotherapy regimen CEOP (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, etoposide, prednisone) with etoposide, a potential effective regimen for HLH was administrated to the patient. Although he received intensive regimen, the patient showed drug resistance and disease progression with central nervous system (CNS) involvement during treatment and showed only transiently response to intrathecal methotrexate, cytarabine and dexamethasone. Therefore, considering the refractory elderly patient with fragile physical condition, metronomic regimen T-PEPC (oral administration of thalidomide, prednisone, cyclophosphamide, etoposide and methyhydrazine) was recommended, which refers to the frequent even daily administration of cytotoxic drugs at comparatively low doses with minimal or prolonged drug-free breaks. The patient responded well to this treatment and remained symptom-free for 8-month follow-up. To our knowledge, this is the first case of reporting this unique immunophenotype of dual CD4-/CD8- with aggressive clinical course and CNS involvement that successfully treated with metronomic regimen, suggesting that low dose metronomic regimen could be a better option for elderly patient with aggressive T-LGL leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Liu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Lei Fan
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Huihui Zhao
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianyong Li
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, China
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30
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Shah MV, Hook CC, Call TG, Go RS. A population-based study of large granular lymphocyte leukemia. Blood Cancer J 2016; 6:e455. [PMID: 27494824 PMCID: PMC5022177 DOI: 10.1038/bcj.2016.59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2016] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Large granular lymphocyte (LGL) leukemia is a lymphoproliferative disorder of cytotoxic cells. T-cell LGL (T-LGL) leukemia is characterized by accumulation of cytotoxic T cells in blood and infiltration of the bone marrow, liver or spleen. Population-based studies have not been reported in LGL leukemia. We present clinical characteristics, natural history and risk factors for poor survival in patients with LGL leukemia using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER) and the United States National Cancer Data Base (NCDB). LGL leukemia is an extremely rare disease with the incidence of 0.2 cases per 1 000 000 individuals. The median age at diagnosis was 66.5 years with females likely to be diagnosed at 3 years earlier compared with males. Analysis of patient-level data using NCDB (n=978) showed that 45% patients with T-LGL leukemia required some form of systemic treatment at the time of diagnosis. T-LGL leukemia patients have reduced survival compared with general population, with a median overall survival of 9 years. Multivariate analysis showed that age >60 years at the time of diagnosis and the presence of significant comorbidities were independent predictors of poor survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- M V Shah
- Division of Hematology, Mayo clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - C C Hook
- Division of Hematology, Mayo clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - T G Call
- Division of Hematology, Mayo clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - R S Go
- Division of Hematology, Mayo clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.,Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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31
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Poullot E, Zambello R, Leblanc F, Bareau B, De March E, Roussel M, Boulland ML, Houot R, Renault A, Fest T, Semenzato G, Loughran T, Lamy T. Chronic natural killer lymphoproliferative disorders: characteristics of an international cohort of 70 patients. Ann Oncol 2014; 25:2030-2035. [PMID: 25096606 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdu369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The 2008 World Health Organization (WHO) classification distinguishes three entities among the large granular lymphocytic leukemia (LGL leukemia): T-cell LGL leukemia (T-LGL leukemia), aggressive natural killer (NK) cell leukemia, and chronic NK lymphoproliferative disorders (LPD), the later considered as a provisional entity. Only a few and small cohorts of chronic NK LPD have been published. PATIENTS AND METHODS We report here clinicobiological features collected retrospectively from 70 cases of chronic NK LPD, and compared with those of T-LGL leukemia. RESULTS There were no statistical differences between chronic NK LPD and T-LGL leukemia concerning median age [61 years (range 23-82 years)], organomegaly (26%), associated autoimmune diseases (24%), and associated hematological malignancies (11%). Patients with chronic NK LPD were significantly less symptomatic (49% versus 18%, P < 0.001) and the association with rheumatoid arthritis was more rarely observed (7% versus 17%, P = 0.03). The neutropenia (<0.5 × 10(9)/l) was less severe in chronic NK LPD (33% versus 61%, P < 0.001) without difference in the rate of recurrent infections. STAT3 mutation was detected in 12% of the cohort, which is lower than the frequency observed in T-LGL leukemia. Thirty-seven percent of the patients required specific therapy. Good results were obtained with cyclophosphamide. Overall and complete response rates were, respectively, 69% and 56%. Overall survival was 94% at 5 years. CONCLUSION This study suggests very high similarities between chronic NK LPD and T-LGL leukemias. Since chronic NK LPD is still a provisional entity, our findings should be helpful when considering further revisions of the WHO classification.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Poullot
- Department of Clinical Hematology, Rennes University Hospital, Rennes, France; Department of Pathology, Rennes University Hospital, Rennes, France
| | - R Zambello
- Department of Medicine, Hematology and Clinical Immunology Branch, Padua University School of Medicine, Padua, Italy
| | - F Leblanc
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, USA
| | - B Bareau
- Department of Clinical Hematology, Clinique Cesson-Sévigné, Cesson-Sévigné
| | - E De March
- Department of Medicine, Hematology and Clinical Immunology Branch, Padua University School of Medicine, Padua, Italy
| | - M Roussel
- Department of Hematology-Immunology and Cell Therapy, Rennes University Hospital, Rennes; INSERM UMR 917 Faculté de médecine Université Rennes 1, Rennes
| | - M L Boulland
- Department of Hematology-Immunology and Cell Therapy, Rennes University Hospital, Rennes
| | - R Houot
- Department of Clinical Hematology, Rennes University Hospital, Rennes, France; INSERM UMR 917 Faculté de médecine Université Rennes 1, Rennes
| | - A Renault
- Department of Clinical Investigation, Rennes University Hospital, Rennes, France
| | - T Fest
- Department of Clinical Hematology, Clinique Cesson-Sévigné, Cesson-Sévigné; INSERM UMR 917 Faculté de médecine Université Rennes 1, Rennes
| | - G Semenzato
- Department of Medicine, Hematology and Clinical Immunology Branch, Padua University School of Medicine, Padua, Italy
| | - T Loughran
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, USA
| | - T Lamy
- Department of Clinical Hematology, Rennes University Hospital, Rennes, France; INSERM UMR 917 Faculté de médecine Université Rennes 1, Rennes; Department of Clinical Investigation, Rennes University Hospital, Rennes, France.
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32
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Fratricide of natural killer cells dressed with tumor-derived NKG2D ligand. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013; 110:9421-6. [PMID: 23690625 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1300140110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The natural killer group 2 membrane D (NKG2D) activating receptor plays crucial roles not only in host defense against tumors and viral infections, but also in autoimmune diseases. After NKG2D-mediated activation, Natural killer (NK) cells must be regulated to avoid potentially harmful reactivity. However, the negative regulation of these activated NK cells is poorly understood. Here, we reveal that the engagement of NKG2D by its ligand elicits not only target cell lysis, but also NK cell fratricide. Conventional mouse NK cells underwent cell death when cocultured with RMA cells expressing the NKG2D ligand retinoic acid early-inducible protein 1 (Rae-1), but not with RMA cells lacking MHC class I. NK cells from mice deficient for DAP10 and DAP12 or perforin did not undergo death, highlighting the importance of the NKG2D pathway for NK cell death. However, NKG2D does not transmit direct death signals in NK cells. Rather, the interaction between NKG2D and Rae-1 allowed NK cells to acquire tumor-derived Rae-1 by a membrane transfer process known as "trogocytosis," which was associated with clathrin-dependent NKG2D endocytosis. NK cells dressed with Rae-1 were lysed by neighboring NK cells through the NKG2D-induced perforin pathway in vitro and in vivo. These results provide the unique NKG2D function in negative regulation of activated NK cells.
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Large granular lymphocytic leukemia associated with Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome: A case report. Leuk Res Rep 2013; 2:32-3. [PMID: 24371773 DOI: 10.1016/j.lrr.2013.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2012] [Accepted: 02/25/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Large granular lymphocytic (LGL) leukemia is an uncommon clonal lymphoproliferative disorder. Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome (LEMS) is a rare neuromuscular autoimmune disease caused by pathogenic autoantibodies targeting the voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCC) on the presynaptic nerve terminal. We here describe the case of a 77-year old patient with LGL leukemia, associated with a seropositive and symptomatic LEMS and a seronegative rheumatoid arthritis. LGL leukemia treatment clearly improved LEMS symptoms, and led to anti-VGCC antibodies value decrease. To our knowledge, this is the first ever described association between LGL leukemia and LEMS.
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Watters RJ, Fox TE, Tan SF, Shanmugavelandy S, Choby JE, Broeg K, Liao J, Kester M, Cabot MC, Loughran TP, Liu X. Targeting glucosylceramide synthase synergizes with C6-ceramide nanoliposomes to induce apoptosis in natural killer cell leukemia. Leuk Lymphoma 2012. [PMID: 23181473 DOI: 10.3109/10428194.2012.752485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract Natural killer (NK) cell leukemia is characterized by clonal expansion of CD3 - NK cells and comprises both chronic and aggressive forms. Currently no effective treatment exists, thus providing a need for identification of novel therapeutics. Lipidomic studies revealed a dysregulated sphingolipid metabolism as evidenced by decreased levels of overall ceramide species and increased levels of cerebrosides in leukemic NK cells, concomitant with increased glucosylceramide synthase (GCS) expression. GCS, a key enzyme of this pathway, neutralizes pro-apoptotic ceramide by transfer of a uridine diphosphate (UDP)-glucose. Thus, we treated both rat and human leukemic NK cells in combination with: (1) exogenous C6-ceramide nanoliposomes in order to target mitochondria and increase physiological pro-apoptotic levels of long chain ceramide, and (2) 1-phenyl-2-palmitoylamino-3-morpholino-1-propanol (PPMP), an inhibitor of GCS. Co-administration of C6-ceramide nanoliposomes and PPMP elicited an increase in endogenous long-chain ceramide species, which led to cellular apoptosis in a synergistic manner via the mitochondrial intrinsic cell death pathway in leukemic NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J Watters
- Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, Pennsylvania State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033-0850, USA
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Immune aging and autoimmunity. Cell Mol Life Sci 2012; 69:1615-23. [PMID: 22466672 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-012-0970-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2012] [Revised: 03/13/2012] [Accepted: 03/13/2012] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Age is an important risk for autoimmunity, and many autoimmune diseases preferentially occur in the second half of adulthood when immune competence has declined and thymic T cell generation has ceased. Many tolerance checkpoints have to fail for an autoimmune disease to develop, and several of those are susceptible to the immune aging process. Homeostatic T cell proliferation which is mainly responsible for T cell replenishment during adulthood can lead to the selection of T cells with increased affinity to self- or neoantigens and enhanced growth and survival properties. These cells can acquire a memory-like phenotype, in particular under lymphopenic conditions. Accumulation of end-differentiated effector T cells, either specific for self-antigen or for latent viruses, have a low activation threshold due to the expression of signaling and regulatory molecules and generate an inflammatory environment with their ability to be cytotoxic and to produce excessive amounts of cytokines and thereby inducing or amplifying autoimmune responses.
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Abstract
Large granular lymphocyte (LGL) leukemia is a clonal lymphoproliferative disease of mature T and natural killer cells. The etiology of LGL leukemia is unknown. IL-15 is an inflammatory cytokine that stimulates T and natural killer cells and is critical for their survival and proliferation. IL-15 signals through a heterotrimeric receptor that is composed of a private receptor, IL-15Rα and IL-2/IL-15Rβ and γ(c) shared with IL-2. Using a newly developed assay, we demonstrated increased levels of soluble IL-15Rα in the serum of patients with T-LGL leukemia. Furthermore, IL-15Rα mRNA levels were also up-regulated in the PBMCs of these patients. FACS analysis indicated that IL-15Rα was expressed both on monocytes as well as on some CD8+ leukemic cells of the patients. Interestingly, the mRNA levels of IFN-γ, a known inducer of IL-15Rα, were also up-regulated in patients' PBMCs. Moreover, PBMCs of some T-LGL patients proliferated at higher levels in response to exogenously added IL-15 compared with those of normal donors. In summary, our study demonstrated increased expression of IL-15Rα in T-LGL leukemia. It is conceivable that higher IL-15Rα expression may lower IL-15 response threshold in vivo and, therefore, may contribute to the pathogenesis of the disease.
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Watters RJ, Liu X, Loughran TP. T-cell and natural killer-cell large granular lymphocyte leukemia neoplasias. Leuk Lymphoma 2011; 52:2217-25. [PMID: 21749307 DOI: 10.3109/10428194.2011.593276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Large granular lymphocyte (LGL) leukemia is a rare disorder of cytotoxic lymphocytes. LGL cells play an integral role in the immune system and are divided into two major lineages of CD3(-)natural killer (NK) cells and CD3(+) T cells that circulate throughout the blood in search of infected cells, in which they will make contact through a receptor ligand and induce cell death. LGL cells are also programmed to undergo apoptosis after contact with an infected target cell; however, they continue to survive in individuals with LGL leukemia. This unchecked proliferation and cytotoxicity of LGLs in patients results in autoimmunity or malignancy. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common autoimmune condition seen in individuals with LGL leukemia; however, LGL leukemia is associated with a wide spectrum of other autoimmune diseases. Patients may also suffer from other hematological conditions including hemolytic anemia, pure red cell aplasia, and neutropenia, which lead to recurrent bacterial infections. Currently, the only established treatment involves a low dose of an immunosuppressive regimen with methotrexate, in which 40-50% of patients are either resistant or do not respond. In order to establish new therapeutics it is important to understand the current state of LGL leukemia both in the clinic and in basic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J Watters
- Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, Pennsylvania State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033-0850, USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Patients with chronic large granular lymphocyte (LGL) leukemia often have rheumatoid arthritis (RA), neutropenia and splenomegaly, thereby resembling the manifestations observed in patients with Felty's syndrome, which is a rare complication of RA characterized by neutropenia and splenomegaly. Both entities have similar clinical and laboratory presentation, as well as a common genetic determinant, HLA-DR4, indicating they may be part of the same disease spectrum. This review paper seeks to discuss the underlying pathogenesis and therapeutic algorithm of RA, neutropenia and splenomegaly in the spectrum of LGL leukemia and Felty's syndrome. RECENT FINDINGS We hypothesize that there may be a common pathogenic mechanism between LGL leukemia and typical Felty's syndrome. Phenotypic and functional data have strongly suggested that CD3 LGL leukemia is antigen-activated. Aberrations in the T-cell repertoire with the emergence of oligoclonal/clonal lymphoid populations have been found to play a pivotal role in pathogenesis of RA. The biologic properties of the pivotal T cell involved in RA pathogenesis are remarkably similar to those in leukemic LGL. SUMMARY RA-associated T-cell LGL leukemia and articular manifestations of typical Felty's syndrome are not distinguishable. A common pathogenetic link between LGL leukemia and RA is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Liu
- Department of Medicine, Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033-0850, USA.
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