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Published on: June 7, 2017
CD30 Expression in Monomorphic Posttransplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder, Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Correlates
Christopher Hartley1, James W Vaughan1, Jason Jarzembowski1
1Department of Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.
Insights
CD30 protein is highly expressed in posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLDs), particularly diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCLs). This suggests CD30 plays a role in PTLDs and immune dysregulation, potentially impacting regulatory T cells (Tregs).
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Transplant Medicine
Background:
- CD30 is a protein involved in cell proliferation, survival, and immune response modulation.
- CD30 expression is observed in 20-40% of de novo diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCLs).
- Allograft regulatory T cells (Tregs) are known to be modulated by CD30 signaling in solid organ transplant recipients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate CD30 expression in posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLDs).
- To assess the relationship between CD30 expression and Treg counts in PTLDs.
- To explore the potential role of CD30 in the pathogenesis of PTLDs.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of a cohort of PTLDs to determine CD30 expression levels.
- Comparison of CD30 expression in PTLDs with de novo DLBCLs.
- Quantification of FoxP3+ regulatory T cell (Treg) counts in CD30+ versus CD30- PTLDs.
Main Results:
- CD30 expression was found in 79% (26/33) of PTLDs analyzed.
- CD30 was significantly more frequent in DLBCL PTLDs (77%) compared to de novo DLBCLs (38%).
- A higher median count of FoxP3+ Tregs was observed in CD30+ PTLDs compared to CD30- PTLDs.
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest a pathophysiologic link between CD30 activity and Tregs in PTLDs.
- Differential CD30 expression may be relevant in B-cell lymphomas arising from immune dysregulation.
- CD30 signaling could be a target for therapeutic intervention in PTLDs.
Objectives:
CD30 is a protein thought to promote cell proliferation/survival and downregulate the immune response. Twenty percent to 40% of de novo diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCLs) express CD30, and some patients have been treated with the anti-CD30 agent brentuximab. In the solid organ transplant setting, allograft regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been shown to be modulated via CD30 signaling.
Methods:
Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLDs) constitute a heterogeneous group of lymphomas, and since CD30 expression has been rarely formally assessed in PTLDs, we analyzed a cohort of PTLDs.
Results:
We found that 26 (79%) of 33 PTLDs were CD30+. Of these, 17 (77%) of 22 DLBCL monomorphic PTLDs were CD30+ compared with 56 (38%) of 148 de novo DLBCLs (P = .009). The median FoxP3+ Treg count was higher in CD30+ than in CD30- PTLDs, 3.0 vs 0 (P = .012).
Conclusions:
These findings suggest a pathophysiologic link between CD30 activity and Tregs and may indicate differential expression of CD30 in B-cell lymphomas arising in the setting of immune dysregulation.
