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Background: Expression of SRY [sex-determining region Y]-box11 (SOX11) is specific to mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) and contributes, in conjunction with immunoglobulin variable heavy chain gene mutation status, to the identification of two forms of this disease. Methods: The aim of this report was firstly, to design an easy and suitable RT-qPCR method to quantify SOX11 mRNA expression in mantle cell lymphoma and other B cell malignancies with the proper reference gene; secondly, to define the best threshold of relative quantity of SOX11 mRNA in order to reach the best compromise between sensitivity and specificity. Results: For best discrimination of MCL and non-MCL groups we determined an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.9750 and a threshold of 1.76 with 100% sensitivity and 88% specificity. AUC and threshold values of respectively 0.91/1.346 [87% sensitivity, 80% specificity] and 0.9525/1.7120 [100% sensitivity, 88% specificity] for GAPDH and RPLP0 respectively denote that the RPLP0 reference gene alone is sufficient for PCR housekeeping gene. Conclusion: This work describes an RT-qPCR assay for SOX11 expression in order to better characterize MCL at diagnosis. Further studies on larger cohorts are needed to evaluate this molecular tool, especially for the follow-up of minimal residual disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immune thrombocytopenla (ITP) Is art autoimmune disease with a complex pathogenesis. As in many B cell-related autoimmune diseases, rltuximab (RTX) has been shown to Increase platelet counts in some ITP patients. From an immunologic standpoint, the mode of action of RTX and the reasons underlying its limited efficacy have yet to be elucidated. Because spienectomy is a cornerstone treatment of 1TP, the immune effect of fIX on this major secondary iymphoid organ was investigated in 18 spleens removed from ITP patients who were treated or not with fIX. Spleens from ITP individuals had follicular hyperplasia consistent with secondary follicles. RTX therapy resulted in complete B.cell depletion In the blood and a significant reduction In splenic B cells, but these patients did not achieve remission. Moreover, whereas the percentage of circulating regulatory T cells (Tregs) was similar to that in controls, splenic Tregs were reduced in ITP patients. Interestingly, the ratio of prolnf lammatory Thi cells to suppressive Tregs was increased in the spleens of patients who failed RTX therapy. These results indicate that although B cells are involved In ITP pathogenesis, RTX-Induced total B-cell depletion is not correlated with its therapeutic effects, which suggests additional immune-mediated mechanisms of action of this drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The B-cell panel of the ninth HLDA was applied in a multicentre fashion to cryopreserved cells from 46 patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The reagents were aliquoted and shipped to volunteer participants from the French Groupe d’Etude Immunologique des Leucémies (GEIL). All samples were tested in flow cytometry, and the results collected as of the strength of labeling of the leukemic clone as negative, weak or strong. Among the 64 antibodies tested, the strongest and most frequent staining was observed for CD305 (LAIR), CD229 (Ly9), CD200 (OX-2) and, to a lesser extent, CD361 (EVI2b). Details of the observations, and information about the molecules tested are provided in the manuscript as well as a summary table. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]