Myeloid cell nuclear differentiation antigen is expressed in a subset of marginal zone lymphomas and is useful in the differential diagnosis with follicular lymphoma

MNDA expression and its value in differential diagnosis of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas: a comprehensive analysis of a large series of 1293 cases

AIMS

MNDA (myeloid nuclear differentiation antigen) has been considered as a potential diagnostic marker for marginal zone lymphoma (MZL), but its utility in distinguishing MZL from other B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (B-NHLs) and its clinicopathologic relevance in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) are ambiguous. We comprehensively investigated MNDA expression in a large series of B-NHLs and evaluated its diagnostic value.

METHODS

MNDA expression in a cohort of 1293 cases of B-NHLs and 338  cases of reactive lymphoid hyperplasia (RLH) was determined using immunohistochemistry and compared among different types of B-NHL. The clinicopathologic relevance of MNDA in DLBCL was investigated.

RESULTS

MNDA was highly expressed in MZLs (437/663, 65.9%), compared with the confined staining in marginal zone B-cells in RLH; whereas neoplastic cells with plasmacytic differentiation lost MNDA expression. MNDA expression was significantly higher in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL, 79.6%, p = 0.006), whereas lower in chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL, 44.8%, p = 0.001) and lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL, 25%, p = 0.016), and dramatically lower in follicular lymphoma (FL, 5.2%, p < 0.001), compared with MZL. 29.6% (63/213) of DLBCLs were positive for MNDA. The cases in non-GCB group exhibited a higher rate of MNDA positivity (39.8%) compared to those in GCB group (16.3%) (p < 0.001), and MNDA staining was more frequently observed in DLBCLs with BCL2/MYC double-expression (50%) than those without BCL2/MYC double-expression (24.8%) (p = 0.001). Furthermore, there was a significant correlation between MNDA and CD5 expression in DLBCL (p = 0.036).

CONCLUSIONS

MNDA was highly expressed in MZL with a potential utility in differential diagnosis between MZL and RLH as well as FL, whereas its value in distinguishing MZL from MCL, CLL/SLL is limited. In addition, MNDA expression in DLBCL was more frequently seen in the non-GCB group and the BCL2/MYC double-expression group, and demonstrated a correlation with CD5, which deserves further investigation. The clinical relevance of MNDA and its correlation with the prognosis of these lymphomas also warrant to be fully elucidated.

MNDA, a PYHIN factor involved in transcriptional regulation and apoptosis control in leukocytes

Inflammation control is critical during the innate immune response. Such response is triggered by the detection of molecules originating from pathogens or damaged host cells by pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs). PRRs subsequently initiate intra-cellular signalling through different pathways, resulting in i) the production of inflammatory cytokines, including type I interferon (IFN), and ii) the initiation of a cascade of events that promote both immediate host responses as well as adaptive immune responses. All human PYRIN and HIN-200 domains (PYHIN) protein family members were initially proposed to be PRRs, although this view has been challenged by reports that revealed their impact on other cellular mechanisms. Of relevance here, the human PYHIN factor myeloid nuclear differentiation antigen (MNDA) has recently been shown to directly control the transcription of genes encoding factors that regulate programmed cell death and inflammation. While MNDA is mainly found in the nucleus of leukocytes of both myeloid (neutrophils and monocytes) and lymphoid (B-cell) origin, its subcellular localization has been shown to be modulated in response to genotoxic agents that induce apoptosis and by bacterial constituents, mediators of inflammation. Prior studies have noted the importance of MNDA as a marker for certain forms of lymphoma, and as a clinical prognostic factor for hematopoietic diseases characterized by defective regulation of apoptosis. Abnormal expression of MNDA has also been associated with altered levels of cytokines and other inflammatory mediators. Refining our comprehension of the regulatory mechanisms governing the expression of MNDA and other PYHIN proteins, as well as enhancing our definition of their molecular functions, could significantly influence the management and treatment strategies of numerous human diseases. Here, we review the current state of knowledge regarding PYHIN proteins and their role in innate and adaptive immune responses. Emphasis will be placed on the regulation, function, and relevance of MNDA expression in the control of gene transcription and RNA stability during cell death and inflammation.

The many faces of nodal and splenic marginal zone lymphomas. A report of the 2022 EA4HP/SH lymphoma workshop

Session 3 of the lymphoma workshop of the XXI joint meeting of the European Association for Haematopathology and the Society for Hematopathology took place in Florence, Italy, on September 22, 2022. The topics of this session were splenic and nodal marginal zone lymphomas, transformation in marginal zone lymphomas, and pediatric nodal marginal zone lymphomas and their differential diagnosis as well as related entities. Forty-two cases in these categories were submitted to the workshop, including splenic lymphomas (marginal zone and diffuse red pulp lymphomas), transformed marginal zone lymphomas (splenic and nodal), nodal marginal zone lymphomas with increased TFH-cells, and pediatric nodal marginal zone lymphomas. The case review highlighted some of the principal problems in the diagnosis of marginal zone lymphomas, including the difficulties in the distinction between splenic marginal zone lymphoma, splenic diffuse red pulp lymphoma, and hairy cell leukemia variant/splenic B-cell lymphoma with prominent nucleoli which requires integration of clinical features, immunophenotype, and morphology in blood, bone marrow, and spleen; cases of marginal zone lymphoma with markedly increased TFH-cells, simulating a T-cell lymphoma, where molecular studies (clonality and mutation detection) can help to establish the final diagnosis; the criteria for transformation of marginal zone lymphomas, which are still unclear and might require the integration of morphological and molecular data; the concept of an overlapping spectrum between pediatric nodal marginal zone lymphoma and pediatric-type follicular lymphoma; and the distinction between pediatric nodal marginal zone lymphoma and "atypical" marginal zone hyperplasia, where molecular studies are mandatory to correctly classify cases.

Eosinophil-rich variant of nodal marginal zone lymphoma: a clinicopathological study of 11 cases

AIMS

Tissue eosinophilia is commonly observed in T-cell and classic Hodgkin lymphomas, but rarely in B-cell lymphomas. Herein, we present the first report of a case series on nodal marginal zone lymphoma (NMZL) with tissue eosinophilia.

METHODS AND RESULTS

All 11 patients in this study had nodal disease at primary presentation. The mean age at diagnosis was 64 years. The mean follow-up period was 39 months, and all patients were alive. Nine of the 11 patients (82%) showed no recurrence, but the other two patients experienced recurrence in the lymph nodes or skin. Marked eosinophilic infiltration was observed in all biopsied lymph nodes. Nine of the 11 patients had a preserved nodular architecture with expanded interfollicular areas. The other two patients showed diffuse lymphoma cell infiltration with effacement of nodal architecture. One of them was diagnosed as having diffuse large B-cell lymphoma transformed from NMZL because large cells accounted for >50% of the lymphoma cells and formed sheet-like patterns. Cells were positive for CD20 and BCL2 and negative for CD5, CD10, and BCL6. Some patients showed myeloid cell nuclear differentiation antigen (MNDA) positivity. All patients showed B-cell monoclonality via flow cytometry, southern blotting, and/or polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

CONCLUSION

All patients showed distinctive morphological features and could be misdiagnosed with peripheral T-cell lymphoma due to their eosinophil-rich backgrounds. The predominance of B cells, absence of histiocytes, and high endothelial venules in the interfollicular areas are key factors for diagnosis. B-cell monoclonality is the most reliable evidence of differentiation. We designated this type of lymphoma as an eosinophil-rich variant of NMZL.

Study of the Utility of Myeloid Cell Nuclear Differentiation Antigen (MNDA) in the Diagnosis of Marginal Zone Lymphoma

Myeloid cell nuclear differentiation antigen (MNDA) is normally expressed on myelomonocytic cells and a subset of B lymphocytes. It was found to be differentially expressed between nodal marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) and follicular lymphoma (FL). However, MNDA has not been widely used as a diagnostic marker in clinical practice. To validate its utility, we studied the expression of MNDA by immunohistochemistry in 313 cases of small B-cell lymphomas. Our results showed that MNDA was positive in 77.9% of MZL, 21.9% of mantle cell lymphoma, 28.9% of small lymphocytic lymphoma/chronic lymphocytic leukemia, 2.6% of FL, and 25% of lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma. MNDA positivity varied from 68.0% to 84.0% among the 3 MZL subtypes, with extranodal MZL having the highest percentage. There was a statistically significant difference in MNDA expression between MZL and FL, mantle cell lymphoma, small lymphocytic lymphoma/chronic lymphocytic leukemia, or lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma. CD43 expression was slightly more frequent in MNDA-negative MZL than in MNDA-positive MZL. Combined use of CD43 and MNDA improved the diagnostic sensitivity for MZL from 77.9% to 87.8%. There was a trend of positive correlation between MNDA and p53 in MZL. In conclusion, MNDA is preferentially expressed in MZL among small B-cell lymphomas and it is a useful marker for the differentiation of MZL and FL.

Immune responses of different COVID-19 vaccination strategies by analyzing single-cell RNA sequencing data from multiple tissues using machine learning methods

Multiple types of COVID-19 vaccines have been shown to be highly effective in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection and in reducing post-infection symptoms. Almost all of these vaccines induce systemic immune responses, but differences in immune responses induced by different vaccination regimens are evident. This study aimed to reveal the differences in immune gene expression levels of different target cells under different vaccine strategies after SARS-CoV-2 infection in hamsters. A machine learning based process was designed to analyze single-cell transcriptomic data of different cell types from the blood, lung, and nasal mucosa of hamsters infected with SARS-CoV-2, including B and T cells from the blood and nasal cavity, macrophages from the lung and nasal cavity, alveolar epithelial and lung endothelial cells. The cohort was divided into five groups: non-vaccinated (control), 2*adenovirus (two doses of adenovirus vaccine), 2*attenuated (two doses of attenuated virus vaccine), 2*mRNA (two doses of mRNA vaccine), and mRNA/attenuated (primed by mRNA vaccine, boosted by attenuated vaccine). All genes were ranked using five signature ranking methods (LASSO, LightGBM, Monte Carlo feature selection, mRMR, and permutation feature importance). Some key genes that contributed to the analysis of immune changes, such as RPS23, DDX5, PFN1 in immune cells, and IRF9 and MX1 in tissue cells, were screened. Afterward, the five feature sorting lists were fed into the feature incremental selection framework, which contained two classification algorithms (decision tree [DT] and random forest [RF]), to construct optimal classifiers and generate quantitative rules. Results showed that random forest classifiers could provide relative higher performance than decision tree classifiers, whereas the DT classifiers provided quantitative rules that indicated special gene expression levels under different vaccine strategies. These findings may help us to develop better protective vaccination programs and new vaccines.

Follicular lymphoma and marginal zone lymphoma: how many diseases?

Follicular lymphoma (FL) and marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) are indolent mature B-cell neoplasms with variable clinical presentation and distinct histopathologic features. Recent advances in the biology and molecular characteristics of these lymphomas have further expanded our understanding of the heterogeneous nature of these lymphomas, with increasing recognition of specific disease entities within the broader categories of FL and MZL. Here, we discuss the conclusions of the 2022 International Consensus Classification of Mature Lymphoid Neoplasms (2022 ICC) dealing with FL, and review differences with the proposed WHO 5th Edition classification. We review issues related to grading and alternative forms of FL especially those lacking the genetic hallmark of FL, the t(14;18) chromosomal alteration. Among them, t(14;18)-negative CD23⁺ follicle center lymphoma has been proposed by the 2022 ICC as a provisional entity. Other follicle center-derived lymphomas such as pediatric-type follicular lymphoma, testicular follicular lymphoma, primary cutaneous follicle center lymphoma, and large B-cell lymphoma with IRF4 rearrangement are considered distinct entities separate from conventional FL. Importantly, large B-cell lymphoma with IRF4 rearrangement introduced as a provisional entity in the WHO 2017 is upgraded to a definite entity in the 2022 ICC. We also discuss diagnostic strategies for recognition of MZLs including splenic MZL, extranodal MZL (MALT lymphoma), and primary nodal MZL. The importance of molecular studies in the distinction among marginal zone lymphoma subtypes is emphasized, as well as their value in the differential diagnosis with other B-cell lymphomas.

Immunohistochemistry for IRTA1 and MNDA helps differentiate gastric MALT lymphoma from chronic gastritis/reactive lymphocyte hyperplasia

It is difficult to histologically differentiate extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT lymphoma) from chronic gastritis (CG)/ reactive lymphoid hyperplasia (RLH). To determine whether immunohistochemistry for IRTA1 and MNDA can differentiate gastric MALT lymphoma from CG/RLH, we investigated 81 stomach biopsy specimens [Wotherspoon grade (WG) 1, 11 cases; WG 2, 9 cases; WG 3, 20 cases; WG 4, 31 cases; and WG 5, 10 cases]. According to a previously reported algorithm involving PCR for immunoglobulin heavy (IgH) chain locus rearrangement, all 81 cases were divided into three groups: CG/RLH (55 cases), MALT lymphoma (19 cases) groups, and IgH undetectable group (7 cases). We analyzed the CG/RLH and MALT lymphoma groups. The median percentage of IRTA1-positive cells was 0% (range 0%-90.6%) in the CG/RLH group and 43.5% (range 0%-97.6%) in the MALT lymphoma group (p < 0.0001). The median percentage of MNDA-positive cells was 32.4% (range 0%-97.6%) in the CG/RLH group and 55.1% (range 0%-97.6%) in the MALT lymphoma group (p = 0.0044). These results indicate that immunohistochemistry for IRTA1 and MNDA can help differentiate gastric MALT lymphoma from CG/RLH.

High inter-follicular spatial co-localization of CD8+FOXP3+ with CD4+CD8+ cells predicts favorable outcome in follicular lymphoma

The spatial architecture of the lymphoid tissue in follicular lymphoma (FL) presents unique challenges to studying its immune microenvironment. We investigated the spatial interplay of T cells, macrophages, myeloid cells and natural killer T cells using multispectral immunofluorescence images of diagnostic biopsies of 32 patients. A deep learning-based image analysis pipeline was tailored to the needs of follicular lymphoma spatial histology research, enabling the identification of different immune cells within and outside neoplastic follicles. We analyzed the density and spatial co-localization of immune cells in the inter-follicular and intra-follicular regions of follicular lymphoma. Low inter-follicular density of CD8+FOXP3+ cells and co-localization of CD8+FOXP3+ with CD4+CD8+ cells were significantly associated with relapse (p = 0.0057 and p = 0.0019, respectively) and shorter time to progression after first-line treatment (Logrank p = 0.0097 and log-rank p = 0.0093, respectively). A low inter-follicular density of CD8+FOXP3+ cells is associated with increased risk of relapse independent of follicular lymphoma international prognostic index (FLIPI) (p = 0.038, Hazard ratio (HR) = 0.42 [0.19, 0.95], but not independent of co-localization of CD8+FOXP3+ with CD4+CD8+ cells (p = 0.43). Co-localization of CD8+FOXP3+ with CD4+CD8+ cells is predictors of time to relapse independent of the FLIPI score and density of CD8+FOXP3+ cells (p = 0.027, HR = 0.0019 [7.19 × 10-6 , 0.49], This suggests a potential role of inter-follicular CD8+FOXP3+ and CD4+CD8+ cells in the disease progression of FL, warranting further validation on larger patient cohorts.

Abnormal Gene Expression Regulation Mechanism of Myeloid Cell Nuclear Differentiation Antigen in Lung Adenocarcinoma

Lung adenocarcinoma (LA) is the main pathological type of lung cancer with a very low 5-year survival rate. In the present study, after downloading the mRNA, miRNA, and DNA methylation sequencing data from TCGA, combined with the downloaded clinical data, comparative analysis, prognostic analysis, GO and KEGG analysis, GSEA analysis, methylation analysis, transcriptional regulation and post-transcriptional regulation were performed. We found that both methylation and gene expression of MNDA in LA were down-regulated, while high expression of MNDA was associated with good overall survival in LA. To probe the mechanism, further analysis showed that SPI1 was the main transcription factor of MNDA, but it was also down-regulated in LA. At the same time, the expression of eight target miRNAs of MNDA was significantly up-regulated, and the expression of hsa-miR-33a-5p and hsa-miR-33b-5p were verified to directly target MNDA. In conclusion, the abnormal expression of MNDA in LA is the result of the combined effects of transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation.

Follicular lymphoma presenting like marginal zone lymphoma: A case report

BACKGROUND

Follicular lymphoma (FL), a common type of indolent lymphoma, carries markers of the germinal center, and the rearrangement of the BCL-2 gene is regarded as an initiating event and a hallmark of the neoplasm. When FL has marginal zone differentiation, some marginal zone features are carried by the neoplasm.

CASE SUMMARY

A 54-year-old male with lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly and hyperlymphocytosis was diagnosed with FL with marginal zone differentiation. The tumor demonstrated different features in the bone marrow (BM) compared with the follicle of the lymph node (LN). Some component of the neoplasm mimicked marginal zone lymphoma, such as infiltrating the marginal zone of the LN, displaying a monocytoid shape and lacking the expression of CD10 in the BM. The diagnosis of FL was made due to the concurrent detection of BCL-2 rearrangement in the LN and BM.

CONCLUSION

Discordant pathological features in LN and BM could mislead diagnosis. When clinical and pathological manifestations are confusing in diagnosis, typical genetic abnormalities are decisive.

Myeloid Nuclear Differentiation Antigen (MNDA): an aid in differentiating lymphoplasmayctic lymphoma and splenic marginal zone lymphoma in bone marrow biopsies at presentation

The differential diagnosis between lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL) and marginal zone B-cell lymphoma, particularly splenic type (SMZL) can be challenging on onset bone marrow biopsy (BMB) since morphology and phenotype are not specific and clinical features can overlap or be mildly developed at diagnosis. The LPL-specific L265P mutation in the MYD88 gene is not available in all laboratories and genetic aberrancies identified in SMZL (del7q, mutations of NOTCH2 and KLF2) are seldom searched in routine practice. The study aim is to investigate the potential role of MNDA expression in this specific differential diagnosis. We report MNDA reactivity in 559 small B-cell lymphoma (SBCL) patients including bone marrow biopsies from 90 LPL and 91 SMZL. MYD88 p.Leu265Pro mutation status was assessed and confirmed as positive in 24 of 90 LPL cases, which served as the test set. MNDA staining was negative in 23/24 LPL cases in the test set (96%). In the 157 remaining cases (66 LPL, 91 SMZL), which served as validation set, the MYD88 p.Leu265Pro mutation was unavailable and MNDA was more frequently expressed in SMZL (p<0.00001). In addition, immunohistochemical features more consistent with SMZL (i.e. presence of CD23+ follicular dendritic cell meshworks, polytypic plasma cells, DBA44 reactivity) were more often present in MNDA positive cases (statistically significant for 2 such parameters). On the widest case-series so far published focusing on LPL and SMZL immunohistochemical diagnosis at onset on BMB, we demonstrated that MNDA expression significantly support the diagnosis of SMZL. This observation may be of particular help in cases where the MYD88 p.Leu265Pro mutational status and/or SMZL-related genetic aberrations are unavailable.

The Relevance of Additional Immunohistochemical Markers on the Differential Diagnosis of Small B-Cell Lymphomas: A Case-control Study

Objective:

Clinical and pathological differential diagnosis of small B-cell lymphomas (SBCLs) is still controversial and may be difficult due to their overlapping morphology, phenotype, and differentiation to plasma cells. We aimed to examine the expression of the immune receptor translocation-associated protein 1 (IRTA1), myeloid cell nuclear differentiation antigen (MNDA), lymphoid enhancer-binding factor-1 (LEF1), and stathmin 1 (STMN1) markers in SBCL cases involving different sites that may have plasma cell differentiation.

Materials and Methods:

We studied 154 tissue samples with lymphoma involvement from 116 patients and evaluated the staining distribution of the markers. Expressions were evaluated in 21 chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL), 7 follicular lymphoma (FL), 14 nodal marginal zone lymphoma, 17 extranodal marginal zone lymphoma, 55 splenic marginal zone lymphoma, 22 marginal zone lymphoma-not otherwise specified, and 18 lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma/Waldenström macroglobulinemia cases by immunohistochemistry.

Results:

The results confirmed that LEF1 was the most sensitive and specific marker for CLL/SLL and STMN1 was the most sensitive and specific marker for FL (p<0.001). MNDA and IRTA1 were useful markers to distinguish marginal zone lymphomas.

Conclusion:

Our results suggest that LEF1 for CLL/SLL and STMN1 for FL are reliable markers. LEF1, MNDA, STMN1, and IRTA1 are helpful with other routinely used immunohistochemical markers in a diagnostic algorithm considering their limitations.

IRTA1 positivity helps identify a MALT-lymphoma-like subset of primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphomas, largely but not exclusively defined by IgM expression

BACKGROUND

It has been proposed that primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphomas (PCMZLs) include a MALT-lymphoma-like IgM+ subset and a class-switched subset, which is unlike most other MALT lymphomas. Whether expression of the MALT lymphoma-associated biomarkers IRTA1 and MNDA would support this concept and whether they might help explain why some patients have both subtypes is uncertain.

METHODS

Twenty-five PCMZLs from 21 patients were stained for IRTA1 by in situ hybridization and for MNDA by immunohistochemistry. In two patients, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based B-cell clonality studies were performed on biopsy specimens of metachronous lesions, which expressed different heavy chains. All results were correlated with the histopathologic and clinical findings.

RESULTS

Five of six IgM+ PCMZLs were IRTA1+ vs three of 18 evaluable class-switched cases (P = 0.0069). Two of the class-switched IRTA1+ cases were in patients with clonally-related IRTA1+ IgM+ PCMZLs. IRTA1 positivity showed a statistically significant correlation with several MALT-lymphoma-associated histopathologic findings. In contrast, all PCMZL cases showed at least some MNDA expression with no differences between IgM+ and class-switched cases.

CONCLUSIONS

IRTA1 identifies MALT-lymphoma-like PCMZLs that are largely but not exclusively IgM+. This supports the concept of two PCMZL subsets but suggests their distinction should not be based solely on their heavy chain expression.

Update on B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders of the gastrointestinal tract

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is home to a significant portion of the immune system, which interacts daily with the antigenic milieu of its contents. Therefore, the presence of white blood cells within the walls of the GI tract upon histologic examination is a familiar sight on GI biopsies-both in health and disease. The GI tract is the most common site of extranodal lymphomas, most of which are B-cell neoplasms. Here, we review common and uncommon B-cell neoplasms of the GI tract - extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT lymphoma), mantle cell lymphoma, duodenal-type follicular lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, plasmablastic lymphoma, EBV-positive mucocutaneous ulcer, and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders - with special focus on literature published during the past five years. Along with the other articles in this edition of Seminars in Diagnostic Pathology, it is the authors' hope that this review proves to be a useful resource in the workup of the array of hematopoietic processes that can involve the GI tract.

Marginal zone B-cell lymphoma: lessons from Western and Eastern diagnostic approaches

Marginal zone B-cell lymphomas (MZLs) are a group of clinically indolent B-cell lymphomas postulated to derive from memory B lymphocytes in the 'marginal zone' of secondary lymphoid tissue. Today, MZL is recognised as a nosological umbrella term encompassing distinct entities with some shared phenotypic and genotypic features, including extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (EMZL) or mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma, splenic MZL, and nodal MZL, accounting for approximately 70%, 20%, and 10% of MZLs, respectively. These lymphomas share some phenotypic and genotypic features and have some variants and related provisional diseases, but are different in regards to their clinical and molecular characteristics. In addition, they are frequently associated with chronic antigenic stimulation represented either by infectious agents, particularly bacteria and viruses, or autoimmune diseases as exemplified by Sjögren syndrome, Hashimoto thyroiditis, and newly recognised IgG4-related disease. Furthermore, several chromosomal translocations have been identified in EMZL. In this review, we will focus on the updated histopathological criteria and the main problems with differential diagnoses in order to aid the diagnostic approach in our routine practice.

Advances in the Development of Anticancer HSP-based Vaccines

Current advances in cancer treatment are based on the recent discoveries of molecular mechanisms of tumour maintenance. It was shown that heat shock proteins (HSPs) play a crucial role in the development of immune response against tumours. Thus, HSPs represent multifunctional agents not only with chaperone functions, but also possessing immunomodulatory properties. These properties are exploited for the development of HSP-based anticancer vaccines aimed to induce cytotoxic responses against tumours. To date, a number of strategies have been suggested to facilitate HSP-based vaccine production and to increase its effectiveness. The present review focuses on the current trend for the development of HSPbased vaccines aimed at inducing strong immunological tumour-specific responses against cancer cells of distinct etiology and localization.

IRTA1 and MNDA Expression in Marginal Zone Lymphoma: Utility in Differential Diagnosis and Implications for Classification

Objectives

To evaluate the clinical utility of immune receptor translocation-associated protein 1 (IRTA1) and myeloid nuclear differentiation antigen (MNDA) expression in the diagnosis and classification of marginal zone lymphomas (MZLs).

Methods

IRTA1 was examined using a novel RNA in situ hybridization assay and MNDA expression determined by immunohistochemistry in 127 small B-cell neoplasms, including 80 cases of MZL.

Results

IRTA1 expression was detected in 31 (42%) of 74 MZLs vs one (2%) of 43 other small B-cell neoplasms (P < .001). MNDA staining was positive in 51 (64%) of 79 MZLs vs 21 (45%) of 46 non-MZLs (P = .06). MNDA expression was particularly uncommon in follicular lymphoma (3/14, 21%; P = .003 vs MZL). There was no association between MNDA and IRTA1 expression and the presence of monocytoid cytology. IRTA1 expression was less frequent in cases with a diffuse growth pattern.

Conclusions

IRTA1 and MNDA are useful markers in the differential diagnosis of MZLs.

Novel developments in the pathogenesis and diagnosis of extranodal marginal zone lymphoma

Extranodal marginal zone lymphoma (EMZL), mostly represented by mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) type, also referred to as MALT lymphoma, is a clinically heterogeneous entity within the group of low-grade B cell lymphomas that arises in a wide range of different extranodal sites, including the stomach, lung, ocular adnexa, and skin. It represents the third most common non-Hodgkin lymphoma in the Western world, and the median age of occurrence is around 60 years. One characteristic aspect in a subset of EMZL detectable in about 25% of the cases is the presence of specific chromosomal translocations involving the genes MALT1 and BCL10, which lead to activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. Another unique aspect is that several infectious agents, such as Helicobacter pylori in the case of gastric EMZL, and autoimmune disorders, like Sjögren syndrome, have been implicated in the pathogenesis of this cancer. Recent findings as summarized in this review have further improved our understanding of the complex pathobiology of this disease and have been essential to better define novel treatment strategies. In addition, many of these specific features are currently being implemented for the diagnosis of EMZL.

Diagnostic value of STMN1, LMO2, HGAL, AID expression and 1p36 chromosomal abnormalities in primary cutaneous B cell lymphomas

AIMS

Distinction between primary cutaneous follicular lymphoma (PCFL) and primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma (PCMZL) is challenging, as clear-cut immunophenotypical and cytogenetic criteria to segregate both entities are lacking.

METHODS AND RESULTS

To characterize PCFL and PCMZL more clearly and to define criteria helpful for the differential diagnosis, we compared expression of immunohistochemical markers [LIM-only transcription factor 2 (LMO2), human germinal centre-associated lymphoma (HGAL), stathmin 1 (STMN1), activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID), myeloid cell nuclear differentiation antigen (MNDA)] and the presence of cytogenetic abnormalities described previously in nodal follicular lymphoma [B cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) and BCL6 breaks, 1p36 chromosomal region deletion (del 1p36)] in a series of 48 cutaneous follicular and marginal zone lymphomas [cutaneous follicular lymphoma (CFL) and cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma (CMZL)]. Immunostaining for STMN1, LMO2, HGAL and AID allowed the distinction between CFL and CMZL, and STMN1 was the most sensitive marker (100% CFL, 0% CMZL). LMO2, HGAL and AID were positive in 93.2%, 82.1% and 86.2% CFL (all CMZL-negative). MNDA was expressed in both entities without significant difference (10.3% CFL, 30.8% CMZL, P = 0.18). BCL2, BCL6 breaks and the del 1p36 were present in 16.7%, 10.7% and 18.5% CFL and no CMZL. Finally, three and 29 CFL were reclassified as secondary cutaneous follicular lymphomas (SCFL) and PCFL without significant differences concerning phenotypical and cytogenetic features. BCL2, BCL6 breaks and the del 1p36 were present in 11.1%, 8% and 16.7% PCFL and did not impact the prognosis.

CONCLUSION

LMO2, HGAL, STMN1 and AID, but not MNDA, are discriminant for the recognition between CFL and CMZL. BCL2, BCL6 rearrangements and the del 1p36 have a role in the pathogenesis of PCFL, the latest being the most common alteration.

B-cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas with Plasmacytic Differentiation

B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas with plasmacytic differentiation are a diverse group of entities with extremely variable morphologic features. Diagnostic challenges can arise in differentiating lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma from marginal zone lymphoma and other low-grade B-cell lymphomas. In addition, plasmablastic lymphomas can be difficult to distinguish from diffuse large B-cell lymphoma or other high-grade lymphomas. Judicious use of immunohistochemical studies and molecular testing can assist in appropriate classification.

The emerging role of human PYHIN proteins in innate immunity: implications for health and disease

The innate immune response depends on the ability of immune cells to detect pathogens through germline-encoded pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). Recently discovered PRRs include some members of the Pyrin and HIN domain (PYHIN) family, which are encoded on an interferon-inducible gene cluster located on chromosome 1q23. There are five human PYHIN proteins; Absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2), IFN-γ inducible protein 16 (IFI16), Myeloid cell nuclear differentiation antigen (MNDA), Pyrin and HIN domain family member 1 (PYHIN1) and the recently identified Pyrin domain only protein 3 (POP3). Early studies reported roles for these proteins in cell cycle control, tumour suppression and transcriptional regulation. AIM2 and IFI16 have now been shown to be immune sensors of non-self DNA, such as that produced by viruses in infected cells. AIM2 binds DNA to activate the inflammasome, while IFI16 detection of DNA can lead to the up-regulation of type I interferons or inflammasome activation. Recent studies have shown how IFI16 senses DNA viruses, and also how viruses evade detection by IFI16, while structural studies have greatly advanced our understanding of how AIM2 and IFI16 bind DNA to activate these immune responses. Furthermore, following the identification of POP3, interplay between members of this gene cluster has been established, with POP3 acting as a negative regulator of the AIM2 and IFI16 inflammasomes. In this review we discuss the current understanding of how PYHIN proteins function in innate immunity, their role in disease and the therapeutic possibilities that arise as a result.