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Human myeloma cells express the CD38 ligand CD31
A Vallario1, M Chilosi, F Adami
1Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Oncologia Umana, Università di Torino, Italy.
British Journal of Haematology
|May 8, 1999
Summary
Multiple myeloma plasma cells (PC) express CD38 and its ligand CD31. Most patients with monoclonal gammopathies of undetermined significance and plasmacytic multiple myeloma showed co-expression, unlike plasmablastic types.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Immunology
- Oncology
Background:
- Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by malignant plasma cells (PC).
- CD38 is a surface marker highly expressed on malignant PC.
- CD31 is a known ligand for CD38.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the co-expression of CD38 and its ligand CD31 on malignant plasma cells.
- To determine if CD31 expression differs across various plasma cell malignancies.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry were employed.
- Patient samples included monoclonal gammopathies of undetermined significance (MGUS), plasmacytic MM, plasmablastic MM, and plasma cell leukaemias (PCL).
- Expression levels of CD38 and CD31 were quantified.
Main Results:
- All 68 patients studied were CD38+.
- High-density co-expression of CD38 and CD31 was observed in 14/14 MGUS and 39/39 plasmacytic MM patients.
- CD31 expression was low in plasmablastic MM (1/11) and PCL (1/4).
Conclusions:
- Malignant plasma cells in most multiple myeloma subtypes and MGUS co-express high levels of CD38 and CD31.
- CD31 expression may serve as a distinguishing marker for certain plasma cell neoplasms like plasmablastic MM and PCL.