Multiple myelomas malignant transformation linked to increase of functional regulatory T cells

08-15-2006

Malignant transformation of multiple myeloma could be linked to in vivo peripheral expansion of naive CD4+CD25(High) FoxP3+ regulatory T cells (T-reg cells).

"In solid tumors, leukemias, and lymphomas, increased frequencies of functional CD4+CD25(high) T-reg cells have been previously demonstrated. In healthy individuals, T-reg cells consist not only of memory but also of naive T cells, which can undergo peripheral expansion and are characterized by a relative enrichment for autoreactive T-cell receptors," investigators in Germany reported.

"Here, we demonstrate in patients with premalignant monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and patients with multiple myeloma that functional FoxP3+ T-reg cells of naive, central, and effector memory phenotype as determined by CCR7 and CD45RA expression are significantly expanded. Low frequencies of T-cell receptor excision circles in naive T-reg cells in both healthy controls and multiple myeloma patients point to peripheral expansion as the prominent mechanism of increased frequencies of naive T-reg cells in these cancer patients," explained M. Beyer and colleagues, University of Cologne.

The researchers concluded, "These findings strongly suggest that the increase of functional T-reg cells in cancer patients is a response to the process of malignant transformation."

Beyer and colleagues published their study in Blood (In vivo peripheral expansion of naive CD4+CD25(High) FoxP3+ regulatory T cells in patients with multiple myeloma. Blood, 2006;107(10):3940-3949).

For additional information, contact J.L. Schultze, University of Cologne, Clinic Internal Medicine 1, Joseph Stelzmann Str 9, Haus 16, D-50931 Cologne, Germany.

The publisher of the journal Blood can be contacted at: American Society Hematology, 1900 M Street. NW Suite 200, Washington, DC 20036, USA.

Keywords: Cologne, Germany, Leukemia, Lymphoma, Multiple Myeloma, Oncology, Solid Cancers, Solid Carcinomas, Regulatory T Cells, Malignant Transformation.

This article was prepared by Clinical Oncology Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2006, Clinical Oncology Week via NewsRx.com.