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In Vitro Assay to Evaluate the Impact of Immunoregulatory Pathways on HIV-specific CD4 T Cell Effector Function
Published on: October 16, 2013
Comparison of histologic nodal reactive patterns, cell suspension immunophenotypic data, and HIV status
C D Westermann1, P E Hurtubise, C C Linnemann
1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Ohio.
Insights
Immunophenotypic analysis of reactive lymphoid hyperplasia reveals distinct cell profiles. Findings correlate with specific hyperplasia types and HIV status, aiding in understanding non-malignant lymph node changes.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Cell suspension immunophenotyping is crucial for diagnosing lymphoid malignancies.
- Interpretation of immunophenotypic data in reactive lymphoid proliferations is less understood.
- Reactive lymphoid hyperplasia encompasses various non-malignant lymph node conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze cell suspension immunophenotypic findings in reactive lymphoid proliferations.
- To correlate these findings with specific histologic categories of hyperplasia.
- To investigate the influence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status on these profiles.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of immunophenotypic data from 119 lymph nodes with reactive lymphoid proliferations.
- Categorization into follicular hyperplasia (marked/moderate), dermatopathic lymphadenopathy, and diffuse hyperplasia.
- Computer-assisted morphometry to assess follicle characteristics; HIV status analyzed in 57 cases.
Main Results:
- Dermatopathic lymphadenopathy showed higher CD3+ T cells, elevated CD4:CD8 ratios, and fewer CD19+ B cells.
- Marked follicular hyperplasia exhibited lower CD4:CD8 ratios, with increased CD19+, CD10+, and transferrin receptor-positive cells.
- HIV-negative cases had higher nodal CD4:CD8 ratios than HIV-positive cases; peripheral blood ratios correlated strongly.
Conclusions:
- Distinct immunophenotypic profiles are associated with specific types of reactive lymphoid hyperplasia.
- Morphometric data support correlations between follicular hyperplasia and specific cell populations.
- While variations exist, these findings aid in differentiating reactive changes from lymphoid malignancies.
Abstract:
While cell suspension immunophenotypic studies are widely used as an aid in the diagnosis and classification of lymphomas and leukemias, much less attention has been directed toward interpretation of the results in reactive lymphoid proliferations. Cell suspension immunophenotypic data were therefore analyzed for 119 lymph nodes with reactive lymphoid proliferations which were divided into five major histologic categories: follicular hyperplasia, marked (FH,M), or moderate (FH); dermatopathic lymphadenopathy (DL); diffuse hyperplasia (DH); or "other." With the aid of a computer-assisted morphometer, the following were also measured and calculated: proportion of node occupied by follicles, mean relative follicle size, and mean follicle shape factor. Finally, in 57 cases, the influence of human immunodeficiency (HIV) status on the findings was analyzed. Although individual cases varied widely, cases of DL had significantly more CD3+ (T) cells, higher CD4:CD8 ratios, and fewer CD19+ (B) cells than other categories. Cases of FH,M had significantly lower CD4:CD8 ratios and more CD19+, CD10+, and transferrin receptor positive cells. Cases of FH,M and FH known to be HIV-negative had higher CD4:CD8 ratios than the HIV-positive cases. Peripheral blood CD4:CD8 ratios performed in 38 patients showed a strong correlation with nodal ratios. Morphometric data supported the correlation between follicular hyperplasia and increased proportions of CD19+, CD10+, and transferrin receptor-positive cells. Rare cases had CD5:CD2 or CD3 ratios of greater than 1 or "monoclonal" kappa to lambda ratios. CD4:CD8 ratios varied widely, but aberrant T cell phenotypes were not identified. These studies demonstrate that, although great variation exists, there are certain associations between types of reactive lymphoid hyperplasia and cell suspension immunophenotypic findings.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
