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B-cell activation in human plasma cell dyscrasias
British Journal of Haematology
|July 1, 1985
Summary
Patients with multiple myeloma and Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia show abnormal B-cell activity. Impaired responses to pokeweed mitogen (PWM) stimulation correlate with advanced disease, suggesting B-cell dysfunction in these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Hematology
- Oncology
Background:
- Multiple myeloma and Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia are B-cell malignancies.
- Abnormal B-cell activity is observed in these conditions.
- Understanding in vitro B-cell function is crucial for disease characterization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate in vitro polyclonal B-cell activity in patients with multiple myeloma and Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia.
- To correlate B-cell activity with clinical and laboratory parameters.
- To assess the in vitro activation of malignant B-cells.
Main Methods:
- Protein A reverse hemolytic plaque assay to quantify immunoglobulin-secreting cells (IgSC).
- Pokeweed mitogen (PWM) stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells.
- Light chain radioimmunoassay to analyze secreted Ig.
Main Results:
- Elevated circulating IgSC levels were observed in patients, often due to passively adsorbed Ig.
- PWM-stimulated cultures showed depressed IgSC responses in patients compared to controls.
- Impaired PWM responses were associated with advanced or progressive disease.
- No preferential activation of malignant B-cell clones was detected.
Conclusions:
- Patients exhibit abnormal in vitro B-cell responses.
- Impaired PWM-induced B-cell activation correlates with disease progression.
- These findings suggest underlying B-cell dysfunction in multiple myeloma and Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia.