Leukemia-associated changes identified by quantitative flow cytometry. III. B-cell gating in CD37/kappa/lambda...

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Hematology
• Oncology

Background:

• CD37 is an antigen expressed on B-lymphoid cells.
• Accurate identification of malignant B cells is crucial for diagnosis and treatment of B-cell malignancies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the utility of CD37 antigen expression for identifying malignant B cells.
• To assess the diagnostic value of CD37 in combination with kappa/lambda light chain staining.

Main Methods:

• Three-color immunofluorescence and quantitative immunofluorescence (QIFI test) were used to study CD37 expression.
• Kappa/lambda light chain staining was performed in conjunction with CD37 analysis.
• Analysis was conducted on normal peripheral blood, bone marrow, and various B-cell disorders.

Main Results:

• Normal peripheral B cells showed bright CD37 expression.
• Moderate to high CD37 levels were detected in most B-cell disorders, including B-ALL, lymphomas, and B-CLL.
• CD37 negativity or dull expression was observed in precursor B-ALL and non-B malignancies.
• CD37+ B-cell gating combined with kappa/lambda analysis identified monoclonality and aberrant immunoglobulin expression in B-cell malignancies.
• The test detected minimal B-cell involvement in bone marrow and circulating lymphoma cells.

Conclusions:

• CD37+ B-cell gating and kappa/lambda analysis is a sensitive and simple routine test for identifying malignant B cells.
• This method is effective for detecting B-cell malignancies in minimally involved bone marrow and blood.
• The test aids in diagnosing B-cell disorders and monitoring minimal residual disease.