IgV(H) and bcl6 somatic mutation analysis reveals the heterogeneity of cutaneous B-cell lymphoma, and indicates the presence of undisclosed local antigens

Mod Pathol. 2004 Jun;17(6):623-30. doi: 10.1038/modpathol.3800106.

Abstract

Our understanding of the ontology of B-cell lymphomas (BCL) has been improved by the study of mutational status of IgV(H) and bcl6 genes, but only a few cases of cutaneous BCL have been examined for this status. We analyzed IgV(H) and bcl6 somatic mutations in 10 cutaneous BCL, classified as follicular (three primary and one secondary), primary marginal zone (two cases), and diffuse large BCL (three primary and one secondary). We observed a lower rate (<2%) of IgV(H) mutation in all marginal zone lymphomas, and a preferential usage of V(H)2-70 (one primary follicular and two primary diffuse large BCL). Fewer than expected replacement mutations in framework regions (FR) were observed in three primary follicular lymphomas (FLs) and in all diffuse large BCL, indicating a negative antigen selection pressure. Ongoing mutations were observed in eight of 10 cases. Only two primary FLs and two diffuse large BCL showed bcl6 somatic mutation. These data support the heterogeneous nature of the different cutaneous BCL, and specifically the distinction between cutaneous follicular and marginal zone lymphomas. The biased usage of V(H)2-70, the low rate of replacement mutation in the FR, and the presence of ongoing mutation imply that local antigens could modulate the growth of primary cutaneous BCL.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antigens, Neoplasm / analysis
  • Chromosomes, Human, Pair 14 / genetics
  • Chromosomes, Human, Pair 18 / genetics
  • DNA Mutational Analysis
  • DNA, Neoplasm / chemistry
  • DNA, Neoplasm / genetics
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / analysis
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics*
  • Female
  • Gene Rearrangement, B-Lymphocyte, Heavy Chain / genetics
  • Genetic Heterogeneity
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains / genetics*
  • Immunoglobulin Variable Region / genetics*
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell / genetics*
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell / metabolism
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mutation*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / analysis
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / genetics*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-6
  • Skin Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Skin Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology
  • Transcription Factors / analysis
  • Transcription Factors / genetics*
  • Translocation, Genetic

Substances

  • Antigens, Neoplasm
  • DNA, Neoplasm
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Immunoglobulin Heavy Chains
  • Immunoglobulin Variable Region
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-6
  • Transcription Factors