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HLA antigen expression in enteropathy associated T cell lymphoma
M Ashton-Key1, N Singh, L X Pan
1Department of Histopathology, University College London Medical School, London.
Journal of Clinical Pathology
|July 1, 1996
Summary
Abnormal human leukocyte antigen (HLA) expression is common in enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma. This may help tumors evade immune responses, potentially including those targeting Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Virology
Background:
- Enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma (EATL) is a rare gastrointestinal malignancy.
- Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I and II expression is crucial for immune recognition.
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is implicated in various lymphomas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine HLA-ABC and HLA-DR expression patterns in EATL.
- To correlate these HLA expression abnormalities with EBV status.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was used to assess HLA-ABC (heavy chain and beta-2 microglobulin) and HLA-DR expression in 11 EATL cases.
- In situ hybridization for EBV (EBER probes) was performed on all samples.
Main Results:
- Two of 11 EATL cases were EBV-positive (EBER+).
- EBV-positive cases showed loss of beta-2 microglobulin and undetectable HLA-DR.
- In EBV-negative cases, reduced or absent HLA-ABC and HLA-DR expression was frequently observed.
Conclusions:
- Low or absent HLA-ABC and HLA-DR expression is a common finding in EATL.
- These HLA abnormalities may facilitate immune evasion by EATL.
- In a subset of patients, this immune escape might be related to anti-EBV immune responses.