DCZ0014, a novel compound in the therapy of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma via the B cell receptor signaling pathway

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a clinical and genetically heterogeneous lymphoid malignancy. Although R-CHOP (rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and prednisone) treatment can improve the survival rate of patients with DLBCL, more than 30% of patients exhibit treatment failure, relapse, or refractory disease. Therefore, novel drugs or targeted therapies are needed to improve the survival of patients with DLBCL. The compound DCZ0014 is a novel chemical similar to berberine. In this study, we found that DCZ0014 significantly inhibited the proliferation and activity of DLBCL cells, and induced cell apoptosis. Following treatment with DCZ0014, DLBCL cells accumulated in G0/G1-phase of the cell cycle and showed decreased mitochondrial membrane potential. Additionally, DCZ0014 inhibited DNA synthesis, enhanced DNA damage in DLBCL cells, as well as inhibited Lyn/Syk in B cell receptor signaling pathway. Further experiments demonstrated that DCZ0014 did not significantly affect peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Tumor xenograft model showed that DCZ0014 not only inhibited tumor growth but also extended the survival time of mice. Thus, DCZ0014 showed potential for clinical application in the treatment of patients with DLBCL.