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Updated: May 8, 2026
09:02
Immunoglobulin Gene Sequence Analysis In Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: From Patient Material To Sequence Interpretation
Published on: November 26, 2018
B cell receptor and antigens in CLL.
Andreas Agathangelidis1, Stavroula Ntoufa, Kostas Stamatopoulos
1B Cell Neoplasia Unit, Istituto Scientifico San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|September 10, 2013
Summary
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is driven by antigen stimulation. Research explores B cell receptor immunoglobulin (BcR IG) signaling and its role in CLL development, progression, and treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Genetics
Background:
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is an antigen-driven lymphoma.
- Antigenic stimuli from the microenvironment promote tumor cell growth.
- B cell receptor immunoglobulin (BcR IG) and other immune sensors are crucial for antigen recognition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immunogenetic evidence for antigen selection in CLL.
- To identify implicated antigens and relevant immune signaling pathways in CLL.
- To understand the role of BcR IG signaling in CLL ontogeny and clonal progression.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of the CLL B cell receptor immunoglobulin (BcR IG) gene repertoire.
- Subdivision of CLL cases based on BcR IG somatic hypermutation load.
- Examination of distinct, stereotyped BcR IGs in CLL subsets.
Main Results:
- The CLL IG gene repertoire shows disease-biased selection.
- CLL cases are categorized into two groups with different prognoses based on BcR IG mutation load.
- Subsets of CLL patients exhibit quasi-identical (stereotyped) BcR IGs.
- Therapeutics targeting BcR signaling demonstrate clinical efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Antigen selection plays a critical role in CLL development and evolution.
- BcR IG signaling pathways are key targets for understanding and treating CLL.
- Further research into implicated antigens and signaling pathways will advance CLL therapy.
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