Immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region family expression in primary cutaneous follicle centre cell lymphomas

Br J Dermatol. 2001 Apr;144(4):862-5. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2133.2001.04146.x.

Abstract

Background: Primary cutaneous follicle centre cell lymphomas (PCFCCL) are the most common type of primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas. Patients with this disorder develop one or a few clinically indolent tumour nodules, plaques, or papules confined to a circumscribed area. Only limited data have so far been published on the use of immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region (VH) families by these tumours.

Objectives: Because the definition of the repertoire of VH genes could have significant biological and diagnostic implications, we evaluated a group of patients with PCFCCL for VH family use.

Methods: DNA obtained from 15 cases of PCFCCL was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using a panel of VH family-specific amplimers.

Results: The pattern of VH family usage was similar to that reported in both normal peripheral blood B cells and the most common low grade non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, where VH region utilization is essentially random with frequent usage of the VH3 family.

Conclusions: These findings support the hypothesis that PCFCCL may derive from the mature peripheral lymphoid compartment. Our results may also have implications for the routine analysis of B-lymphoid clonality in PCFCCL.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • DNA, Neoplasm / genetics
  • Gene Rearrangement
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains / metabolism*
  • Immunoglobulin Variable Region / metabolism*
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell / immunology*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Skin Neoplasms / immunology*

Substances

  • DNA, Neoplasm
  • Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains
  • Immunoglobulin Variable Region