Features of the overexpressed V1-69 genes in the unmutated subset of chronic lymphocytic leukemia are distinct from those in the healthy elderly repertoire

Potter, Kathleen N., Orchard, Jenny, Critchley, Eustacia, Mockridge, C. Ian, Jose, Annette and Stevenson, Freda K. (2003) Features of the overexpressed V1-69 genes in the unmutated subset of chronic lymphocytic leukemia are distinct from those in the healthy elderly repertoire. Blood, 101 (8), 3082-3084. (doi:10.1182/blood-2002-08-2432).

Abstract

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) comprises 2 subsets, distinguished by expression of unmutated or mutated VH genes, with the former having a worse prognosis. Biased usage of the V1-69 gene is found in unmutated cases and is combined with selected D gene segments and JH6. It is controversial whether this is a CLL-associated feature or mirrors the normal B-cell pattern. Since CLL is a disease of the elderly, where changes in the B-cell repertoire may occur, we have analyzed V1-69 usage in the elderly (older than 75 years) population. Using monoclonal antibody (MoAb) G6, specific for 51p1-related V1-69 alleles, we found no increased expression with age. In 51p1-encoded immunoglobulin M (IgM), complementarity-determining region 3 (CDR3) length and frequency of D and JH genes were similar to those in the healthy young and distinct from those in CLL. These findings support the concept that CLL arises from B cells driven by antigen/superantigen and is not a stochastic event in the elderly B-cell population.

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Contributors

Author: Freda K. Stevenson

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