Role of transforming growth factor-β in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

1993 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
L.G. Israels ◽  
S.J. Israels ◽  
A. Begleiter ◽  
L. Verburg ◽  
L. Schwartz ◽  
...  
Blood ◽  
1997 ◽  
Vol 89 (3) ◽  
pp. 941-947 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raymond S. Douglas ◽  
Renold J. Capocasale ◽  
Roberta J. Lamb ◽  
Peter C. Nowell ◽  
Jonni S. Moore

Abstract Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common leukemia of the western world and is characterized by a slowly progressing accumulation of clonal CD5+ B cells. Our laboratory has investigated the role of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) in the pathogenesis of B-cell expansion in CLL. In vitro addition of TGF-β did not increase spontaneous apoptosis of B cells from most CLL patients, as determined using the TUNEL method, compared with a twofold increase observed in cultures of normal B cells. There was similar expression of TGF-β type II receptors on both CLL B cells and normal B cells. In contrast to apoptosis, CLL B-cell proliferation was variably inhibited with addition of TGF-β. In vitro addition of IL-4, previously reported to promote CLL B-cell survival, dramatically reduced spontaneous apoptosis of CLL B cells compared with normal B cells. CLL B-cell expression of IL-4 receptors was increased compared to normal B cells. Thus, our results show aberrant apoptotic responses of CLL B cells to TGF-β and IL-4, perhaps contributing to the relative expansion of the neoplastic clone.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document