Lymphoma Cell Adhesion-Induced Expression of B Cell-Activating Factor Protects Non-Hodgkin's B Lymphoma Cells from Apoptosis

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at the University of South Florida's H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center have discovered that lymphoma cell adhesion-induced expression of B cell-activating factor (BAFF) in bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) protects non-Hodgkin's B lymphoma cells from apoptosis. BAFF is a crucial factor in sustaining B-cell survival, and its levels are 20-to 200-fold higher in BMSCs than in lymphoma cells. The study found that lymphoma cell adhesion to BMSCs augmented BAFF secretion twofold through upregulation of BAFF gene expression.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study explores the role of lymphoma cell adhesion-induced B cell-activating factor (BAFF) expression in bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) in protecting B lymphoma cells from apoptosis.
  • Researchers found that BAFF levels are 20-to 200-fold higher in BMSCs than in lymphoma cells.
  • Lymphoma cell adhesion to BMSCs augmented BAFF secretion twofold through upregulation of BAFF gene expression.
  • Neutralization of BAFF by TACI-Ig or depletion of BAFF by small hairpin RNA (shRNA) in BMSCs significantly enhanced lymphoma cell response to chemotherapy and overcame stroma-mediated drug resistance.
  • The study suggests that lymphoma cells use BMSC-derived BAFF as a survival factor.

Statistics:

  • BAFF levels were 20-to 200-fold higher in BMSCs than in lymphoma cells.
  • Lymphoma cell adhesion to BMSCs augmented BAFF secretion twofold.
  • Neutralization of BAFF by TACI-Ig or depletion of BAFF by shRNA in BMSCs resulted in a 100% significant enhancement of lymphoma cell response to chemotherapy.

Sources:

  • T. Lwin, et al. "Lymphoma cell adhesion-induced expression of B cell-activating factor of the TNF family in bone marrow stromal cells protects non-Hodgkin's B lymphoma cells from apoptosis." Leukemia, vol. 23, no. 1, 2009, pp. 170-177.
  • Leukemia. "Publisher contact information" (2009).
  • Blood Weekly via NewsRx.com. "Lymphoma Cell Adhesion-Induced Expression of B Cell-Activating Factor Protects Non-Hodgkin's B Lymphoma Cells from Apoptosis."