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Published on: August 23, 2024
MUM-1 expression differentiates AITL with HRS-like cells from cHL
Wenyong Huang1, Jianlan Xie2, Xiao Xu3
1Department of Pathology, Beijing Friendship Hospital of Capital Medical University Beijing 100050, China ; Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jiujiang University Jiujiang, China.
Abstract:
MUM1 is a member of the interferon regulatory factor family of transcription factors. It is normally expressed in plasma cells, late B cells, and activated T cells, and has been described in several B-cell malignancies and some T-cell neoplasms. The aim of our study was to evaluate the role of MUM-1/IRF4 protein in differentiating angioimmunoblastic T cell lymphoma (AITL) with Hodgkin/Reed-Sternberg (HRS)-like cells from cHL. We identified 12 cases of AITL with HRS-like cells and 24 cases of cHL from March 2013 to November 2014. IHC for MUM-1/IRF4 protein was performed on the tissue of these cases and some relevant positive and negative controls. MUM-1 was expressed in HRS-like cells and some neoplastic T-cells in AITL with HRS-like cells (12/12, 100%) and formed the rosettes around the HRS-like cells (12/12, 100%), expressed in HRS cells in classic Hodgkin Lymphoma (cHL) (24/24, 100%) and just one case formed rosettes around the HRS cells (1/24, 4.2%). Based on the results, MUM-1 could be a useful marker for the differential diagnosis between AITL with HRS-like cells and cHL.
Insights
MUM1/IRF4 protein aids in distinguishing angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) with Hodgkin/Reed-Sternberg (HRS)-like cells from classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL). This marker shows high expression in both AITL and cHL, with distinct rosette formation patterns.
Area of Science:
- Hematopathology
- Immunohistochemistry
- Oncology
Background:
- MUM1/IRF4 is a transcription factor expressed in plasma cells, late B cells, and activated T cells.
- It is implicated in various B-cell and T-cell neoplasms.
- Differentiating angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) with Hodgkin/Reed-Sternberg (HRS)-like cells from classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) can be challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of MUM1/IRF4 protein expression in differentiating AITL with HRS-like cells from cHL.
- To analyze the expression patterns and rosette formation of MUM1/IRF4 in these lymphoma subtypes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 12 cases of AITL with HRS-like cells and 24 cases of cHL.
- Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for MUM1/IRF4 protein was performed on tissue samples.
- Comparison of MUM1/IRF4 expression and rosette formation in neoplastic cells.
Main Results:
- MUM1/IRF4 was expressed in 100% of AITL cases with HRS-like cells, including neoplastic T-cells and HRS-like cells.
- Rosette formation around HRS-like cells was observed in 100% of AITL cases.
- MUM1/IRF4 was expressed in 100% of cHL cases, with rosette formation observed in only 4.2% of cases.
Conclusions:
- MUM1/IRF4 is a highly sensitive marker for both AITL with HRS-like cells and cHL.
- The distinct pattern of rosette formation around HRS-like cells in AITL suggests MUM1/IRF4 can be a valuable tool for differential diagnosis.
- Further investigation into specific expression patterns may refine diagnostic accuracy.

