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.

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.

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