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Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and lymphomagenesis
1Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, CCSR 1105a, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
Leukemia & Lymphoma
|August 15, 2003
Summary
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection can lead to chronic liver disease and B cell lymphomas. HCV antigen persistence drives B cell proliferation, potentially progressing from benign conditions to overt lymphoma.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Immunology
- Oncology
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
- HCV infection is linked to B cell lymphoproliferative disorders, including mixed cryoglobulinemia and B cell lymphoma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of HCV infection in the development of B cell lymphoproliferative disorders.
- To explore the mechanisms by which HCV induces B cell proliferation and lymphomagenesis.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of monoclonal B cells in HCV-infected patients.
- Examination of immunoglobulin variable region gene usage in B cells.
- Review of clinical outcomes following antiviral treatment.
Main Results:
- HCV-infected patients exhibit monoclonal B cells using a restricted gene repertoire similar to anti-HCV antibody-secreting cells.
- Antigen persistence is linked to B cell proliferation, as evidenced by resolution of monoclonal IgM after antiviral therapy.
- A pre-malignant B cell clone has been identified that can progress to overt B cell lymphoma.
Conclusions:
- HCV infection likely drives B cell lymphoproliferative disorders through an antigen-driven process, possibly involving the B cell receptor (BCR).
- The findings strengthen the causal relationship between HCV and lymphoma, with potential implications for targeted therapies.