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CD23 expression in non-Hodgkin lymphoma: immunohistochemical demonstration using the antibody BU38 on paraffin
P G Murray1, R M Janmohamed, J Crocker
1Department of Histopathology, Good Hope Hospital, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, U.K.
Insights
CD23, a B-cell activation marker, is frequently expressed in low-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) but rarely in high-grade NHL. This finding aids in diagnosing NHL subtypes using routinely processed tissue samples.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Leukocyte antigen CD23 is upregulated during B-cell activation by Interleukin-4 (IL-4).
- CD23 functions as an IgE receptor and lymphocyte growth factor.
- Expression patterns of CD23 in non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of CD23 in various subtypes of NHL.
- To evaluate the utility of a new antibody (BU38) for CD23 detection in paraffin-embedded tissues.
- To correlate CD23 expression with lymphoma grade and cell type.
Main Methods:
- Studied CD23 expression in 68 NHL cases using the BU38 antibody.
- Utilized routinely processed paraffin-embedded tissue sections.
- Analyzed expression in tumor cells, follicular dendritic cells, and macrophages.
Main Results:
- CD23 was expressed in tumor cells in 27/36 low-grade NHL cases.
- CD23 was expressed in tumor cells in only 3/32 high-grade NHL cases.
- Follicular dendritic cells were positive in follicular lymphomas, and macrophages were positive in high-grade lesions.
Conclusions:
- CD23 expression is a potential marker for differentiating low-grade from high-grade NHL.
- The BU38 antibody is effective for CD23 detection in routine pathology.
- CD23 expression patterns provide insights into lymphoma biology and cellular microenvironment.
Abstract:
The leucocyte antigen CD23 is upregulated in the early stages of B-cell activation by Interleukin-4 (IL-4), and functions as an IgE receptor and lymphocyte growth factor. We have studied the expression of CD23 in 68 cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) using the antibody BU38. This new antibody has the great advantage of being applicable to routinely-processed paraffin sections. CD23 was expressed in tumour cells in 27 out of 36 cases of low grade NHL and 3 out of 32 cases of high grade NHL. Follicular dendritic cells were strongly positive and were seen in follicular lymphomas. Macrophages were also positive and were numerous in high grade lesions.
