TNF-alpha induces spreading of B-CLL via the CD11c/CD18 molecule

Activation of malignant B cells can lead to extensive morphological changes of these cells. A combination of PMA and TNF-alpha can induce adherence of purified B-CLL cells, which acquire a dendritic cell-like appearance. This phenomenon that we have termed spreading, is accompanied by upregulation of expression of both beta 1 and beta 2 integrin molecules. Spreading was inhibited by the addition of antibodies against CD18 or CD11c. In other B cell malignancies (HCL and NHL), morphological changes could be induced by PMA in the absence of TNF-alpha. Culturing in the presence of prednisolone resulted in an inhibition of spreading, most likely mediated via a down regulation of CD18 and CD11c expression. These data indicate that the CD11c/CD18 complex might be important for the adhesive properties of B cells.