Reed-Sternberg cells express CD161 and lectin-like transcript 1 in Hodgkin lymphoma

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Oncology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is a B-cell malignancy characterized by Reed-Sternberg (RS) cells.
• The CD161/LLT1 axis is an emerging immune regulator in cancer, but its role in HL is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize CD161 and LLT1 expression in HL RS cells.
• To correlate expression with clinical-pathological features and EBV status.

Main Methods:

• Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze CD161 and LLT1 expression in 60 HL FFPE samples.
• Expression patterns and correlations with HL subtype, stage, and EBV status were assessed.

Main Results:

• LLT1 expression was predominantly cytoplasmic in RS cells.
• CD161 expression was detected in RS cells at the protein level for the first time.
• No significant associations were found between CD161/LLT1 expression and HL subtype, stage, or EBV status.

Conclusions:

• This study provides the first characterization of CD161 and LLT1 in HL RS cells.
• These molecules may represent potential therapeutic targets for HL immunotherapy.