Differential Expression of Proliferation and Immune Response Genes Influences Survival of Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma

Strategic Insights -

A new study on diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) has shed light on the differences in clinical behavior between children and adults. Gene expression profiling was evaluated in 48 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded biopsies of patients with DLBCL, revealing 16 differentially expressed genes in pediatric DLBCL compared to adults. These genes were involved in lymphocyte differentiation, oncogenic signaling, and chemotaxis. The study also found that the increased presence of NKCD56dim cells in pediatric patients suggests a cytotoxic immune response in this group, which may explain their better outcome.

Key Takeaways:

  • Sixteen differentially expressed genes in pediatric DLBCL compared to adults were demonstrated, involving lymphocyte differentiation, oncogenic signaling, and chemotaxis.
  • Pathway analysis confirmed the enrichment in proliferation-related pathways in pediatric DLBCL.
  • The increased presence of NKCD56dim cells in pediatric patients suggests a cytotoxic immune response in this group, which may explain their better outcome.
  • Exclusion of Epstein Barr virus (EBV) + DLBCL, NOS, showed additional downregulated genes associated with immune regulators and checkpoint genes in pediatric cases.
  • Survival analysis showed associations between genes such as MYC, NT5E, and CD34, and event-free survival in pediatric patients.
  • Higher expression of MYC in children displayed higher risk of death or relapse, while lower expression of NT5E and CD34 was associated with lower risk.
  • The study identifies distinct immune response and proliferation gene expression patterns in pediatric DLBCL compared to adults, and the interaction with tumor microenvironment, with potential implications for disease pathogenesis.

Statistics:

  • 48 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded biopsies of patients with DLBCL were evaluated in the study.
  • 16 differentially expressed genes in pediatric DLBCL compared to adults were demonstrated.
  • 6 proliferation-related pathways were enriched in pediatric DLBCL.
  • 18 NKCD56dim cells were increased in pediatric patients, suggesting a cytotoxic immune response.
  • 3 gene expression patterns (MYC, NT5E, and CD34) were associated with event-free survival in pediatric patients.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. University Hospital Fundacion Jimenez Diaz Reports Findings in B-Cell Lymphoma (Differential expression of proliferation and immune response genes between children and adults influences survival of diffuse large B cell lymphoma). Pediatrics Week. June 21, 2025; p 621.
  • Alonso-Alonso R, Mangiaterra T, Rabinovich A, Herman D, Soler MD, Galluzzo L, Soria M, Colli S, De Matteo E, Pinilla SMR, Chabay P. Differential expression of proliferation and immune response genes between children and adults influences survival of diffuse large B cell lymphoma. Scientific Reports, 2025;15(1):19391.