Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026
09:02
Immunoglobulin Gene Sequence Analysis In Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: From Patient Material To Sequence Interpretation
Published on: November 26, 2018
The normal counterpart to the chronic lymphocytic leukemia B cell
Federico Caligaris-Cappio1, Paolo Ghia
1Department of Oncology, Lymphoma Unit, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele and Istituto Scientifico San Raffaele, Via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milano, Italy. caligaris.federico@hsr.it
Best Practice & Research. Clinical Haematology
|August 21, 2007
Summary
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) involves abnormal B cell growth. This review explores the characteristics of a normal B cell that could be the origin of CLL, aiding disease understanding.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Immunology
- Oncology
Background:
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is defined by the monoclonal expansion of mature B cells.
- CLL cells exhibit phenotypic homogeneity, co-expressing CD5 and CD23 with low surface immunoglobulin levels.
- Gene expression profiling supports a common pathogenic mechanism for CLL.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the defining features of B cells that may serve as the normal counterpart to CLL B cells.
- To address the long-standing question regarding the cell of origin for CLL.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on CLL cell biology and B cell development.
- Analysis of phenotypic and genotypic data of CLL cells.
- Comparison of CLL cell characteristics with potential normal B cell precursors.
Main Results:
- CLL cells are characterized by specific surface markers (CD5, CD23) and low surface immunoglobulin expression.
- Despite phenotypic homogeneity, the precise cell of origin remains elusive.
- The review discusses potential normal B cell populations that share key features with CLL cells.
Conclusions:
- Identifying the normal counterpart of CLL B cells is crucial for understanding disease pathogenesis.
- Further research is needed to definitively pinpoint the cell of origin.
- Understanding the origin may lead to novel therapeutic strategies for chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:23Cells of the Adaptive Immune Response
The T and B lymphocytes of the adaptive immune system develop from common lymphoid progenitor cells in the bone marrow. These progenitors give rise to precursors that eventually develop into both T and B lymphocytes. As these precursors mature, they gain the ability to detect and respond to foreign antigens in the body, a process known as immunocompetence. Additionally, these precursors acquire self-tolerance, a process that ensures they do not react to self-antigens. This intricate system...
01:27Disorders of Leukocytes
Leukocyte disorders can lead to either leukopenia, characterized by an abnormally low leukocyte count, or leukocytosis, marked by a very high leukocyte number.
Leukopenia may result from bone marrow disorders, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases. For example, conditions such as multiple myeloma and aplastic anemia can impair the bone marrow's ability to produce adequate leukocytes. Similarly, autoimmune diseases like lupus and viral infections such as HIV can prompt the immune system...
Leukopenia may result from bone marrow disorders, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases. For example, conditions such as multiple myeloma and aplastic anemia can impair the bone marrow's ability to produce adequate leukocytes. Similarly, autoimmune diseases like lupus and viral infections such as HIV can prompt the immune system...
01:24B Cell Activation and Differentiation
The adaptive immune response, a sophisticated defense mechanism, relies on the activation and differentiation of B lymphocytes, or B cells. These processes enable our bodies to mount a tailored response against specific pathogens such as bacteria, free virus particles, toxins, and parasites.
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...
01:20Special Features of Adaptive Immunity
The adaptive immune system, a crucial component of the overall immune response, offers a highly specialized defense against pathogens. It involves specific cell types and features, enabling it to combat infections effectively and efficiently.
The primary cell types involved in adaptive immunity are T cells and B cells. Each type has a unique role in defending the body against pathogens. T cells are responsible for cell-mediated immunity. They identify and eliminate infected cells directly,...
The primary cell types involved in adaptive immunity are T cells and B cells. Each type has a unique role in defending the body against pathogens. T cells are responsible for cell-mediated immunity. They identify and eliminate infected cells directly,...
01:16Primary Lymphoid Organs
Primary lymphoid organs are pivotal in the formation, development, and maturation of lymphocytes, the white blood cells that serve as the backbone of our immune system. This crucial function underscores their fundamental role in maintaining our overall health and immunity. The two primary lymphoid organs of prime importance are the red bone marrow and the thymus.
The red bone marrow is a soft, spongy tissue nestled in the interior of long bones such as the humerus and femur. It is the site...
The red bone marrow is a soft, spongy tissue nestled in the interior of long bones such as the humerus and femur. It is the site...
01:18Lymphoid Cells and Tissues
Lymphoid cells and tissues are integral to the immune system, which is crucial in maintaining our body's defense against harmful pathogens. They form the building blocks of lymphoid organs, which include the spleen, thymus, and lymph nodes.
Lymphoid cells consist of various types of immune system cells. These include B and T lymphocytes, which are responsible for producing antibodies and killing infected cells, respectively. Dendritic cells act as messengers between the innate and adaptive...
Lymphoid cells consist of various types of immune system cells. These include B and T lymphocytes, which are responsible for producing antibodies and killing infected cells, respectively. Dendritic cells act as messengers between the innate and adaptive...