NLRP3 Regulates IL-4 Expression in TOX+ CD4+ T Cells of Cutaneous T Cell Lymphoma to Potentially Promote Disease Progression.

In cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL), a dominant Th2 profile associated with disease progression has been proposed. Moreover, although the production and regulation of IL-4 expression during the early stages of the disease may have important implications in later stages, these processes are poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate the presence of TOX+ CD4+ T cells that produce IL-4+ in early-stage skin lesions of CTCL patients and reveal a complex mechanism by which the NLRP3 receptor promotes a Th2 response by controlling IL-4 production. Unassembled NLRP3 is able to translocate to the nucleus of malignant CD4+ T cells, where it binds to the human il-4 promoter. Accordingly, IL-4 expression is decreased by knocking down and increased by promoting the nuclear localization of NLRP3. We describe a positive feedback loop in which IL-4 inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome assembly, thereby further increasing its production. IL-4 induced a potentially malignant phenotype measured based on TOX expression and proliferation. This mechanism of IL-4 regulation mediated by NLRP3 is amplified in late-stage CTCL associated with disease progression. These results indicate that NLRP3 might be a key regulator of IL-4 expression in TOX+ CD4+ T cells of CTCL patients and that this mechanism might have important implications in the progression of the disease.

Genome-wide transcriptome analysis of the STAT6-regulated genes in advanced-stage cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

The signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) is a critical up-stream mediator of interleukin-13 (IL-13) and IL-4 signaling and is constitutively activated in malignant lymphocytes from Sezary syndrome (SS) and mycosis fungoides (MF), the most common subtypes of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas. By combining genome-wide expression profiling with pharmacological STAT6 inhibition, we have identified the genes regulated by STAT6 in MF/SS tumors. We found that STAT6 regulates several common pathways in MF/SS malignant lymphocytes that are associated with control of cell-cycle progression and genomic stability as well as production of Th2 cytokines. Using ex vivo skin explants from cutaneous MF tumors as well as Sezary cells derived from the blood of SS patients, we demonstrated that inhibition of STAT6 activation downregulates cytokine production and induces cell-cycle arrest in MF/SS malignant lymphocytes, inhibiting their proliferation but not their survival. Furthermore, we show that STAT6 promotes the protumoral M2-like phenotype of tumor-associated macrophages in the tumor microenvironment of advanced stage MF by upregulating the expression of genes associated with immunosuppression, chemotaxis, and tumor matrix remodeling. Thus, we show STAT6 to be a major factor in the pathogenesis and progression of MF/SS, promoting proliferation and invasion of the malignant lymphocytes while inducing a progressive depression of the antitumor immune response. Together, our results provide new insights into disease pathogenesis and offer new prospective targets for therapeutic intervention.

Dual-Positive CD4/CD8 Primary Cutaneous Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma Previously Classified as Mycosis Fungoides a Tumor D'Emblée.

Cutaneous peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified represents a "waste basket" of all cases that cannot be put into another of the categories of mature cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Previously, the sudden multifocal development of cutaneous CD4 tumors without preceding a patch or plaque stage was classified as d'emblée form of mycosis fungoides (MF). Currently, the term "MF" reserved only for the classic Alibert-Bazin type characterized by the evolution of patches, plaques, and tumors or for variants showing a similar clinical course. The authors describe a 75-year-old white woman who presented with a solitary skin tumor in the right supraclavicular region, with no lymph node or systemic involvement. Local external beam radiation treatment resulted in a complete response. The patient relapsed after 5 months with new tumors in the left neck and left upper chest. Biopsy of the lesions showed a dermal infiltrate of atypical small- to medium-sized T-lymphocytes, and immunohistochemical staining showed coexpression of CD4/CD8 in a subset of these cells, which was confirmed with flow cytometry of the tumor. Although the patient had no preceding patch or plaque stage, the authors herein report this extremely rare case of CD4/CD8 dual-positive peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified presented as MF d'emblée and discuss the seldom similar cases published previously.

Immune privilege disruption in folliculotropic mycosis fungoides: investigation of major histocompatibility complex antigen expression.

BACKGROUND: Folliculotropic mycosis fungoides (FMF) is a cutaneous T-cell lymphoma mainly affecting the hair follicle, which seems to represent a place of immune privilege phenomenon. OBJECTIVES: To explore a possible role of immune privilege (IP) in FMF analyzing the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) expression. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry for HLA-G and MHC-II was performed to formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded cutaneous skin biopsies of FMF patients (n = 43), conventional mycosis fungoides (CMF; n = 13), alopecia areata (AA; n = 13), and normal scalp skin (NS; n = 12). RESULTS: HLA-G expression was lower in FMF (34%: 14/41) and CMF (18%: 2/11) groups compared to alopecia areata (92%:11/12) and normal scalp skin group (100%: 12/12). MHC-II expression in hair follicle was greater in the FMF group (18/42: 43%) compared to AA (0%) and NS (0%). HLA-G and MHC-II expression in cellular infiltrate had no difference among FMF and CMF groups and was different compared to the AA group. CONCLUSIONS: Our data support the hypothesis of disruption of immune privilege based on the lower expression of HLA-G and higher expression of MHC-II in the follicular epithelium in mycosis fungoides compared to alopecia areata and normal scalp skin. The lack of difference between FMF and CMF groups did not support the role of these molecules as a driver of folliculotropism. The expression of MHC molecules seems to be different between neoplastic and inflammatory infiltrates. The definitive significance of expression of the MHC molecules remains unclear, and more studies are necessary to fully understand the role of these molecules in cutaneous lymphomas.

Immunophenotypic Shifts in Primary Cutaneous γδ T-Cell Lymphoma Suggest Antigenic Modulation: A Study of Sequential Biopsy Specimens.

Primary cutaneous γδ T-cell lymphoma (PCGD TCL), an aggressive type of lymphoma, accounts for approximately 1% of all primary cutaneous lymphomas. We have occasionally observed changes in T-cell antigen expression (immunophenotypic [IP] shift) over time, a phenomenon that is considered rare in T-cell lymphoma including cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Therefore, we assessed sequential biopsies of PCGD TCL for possible IP shifts of the lymphoma cells. We searched for cases of PCGD TCL with consecutive biopsies to perform a comprehensive immunohistochemical analysis of paired specimens. A median of 12 markers per case was tested. We evaluated the percentage of neoplastic lymphocytes and determined the differential expression of antigens (gain, loss, increase or decrease). We identified 9 patients with PCGD TCL with consecutive biopsies. All (100%) cases had IP shifts of at least 1 antigen, whereas overall 22 pairs of markers were shifted: gain of reactivity occurred in 7 (31.8%) and loss in 3 (13.6%); increased reactivity in 4 (18.2%) and decreased in 8 (36.4%). Molecular analysis of TCRγ showed identically sized monoclonal rearrangements between biopsy pairs in 4/4 (100%) patients. There was no correlation between IP shifts and the clinical appearance of lesions, histopathologic or cytologic features, or molecular rearrangements. IP shifts are common in PCGD TCL, occurring in all patients in this study and involving a variety of antigens. IP shifts do not seem to be linked to changes in the T-cell clone and are without obvious clinical or morphologic correlates. The occurrence of IP shifts in PCGD TCL suggests that antigen modulation may be involved in pathogenesis. IP shifts are somewhat frequent in T-cell lymphoma; however, it does not suggest a second neoplasm, and molecular studies can be used to determine clonal identity.

Fatal Case of Primary Cutaneous Aggressive T-Cell Lymphoma Switching From a CD4+ to a CD8+ Phenotype: Progressive Disease With Bexarotene and Romidepsin Treatment.

A 77-year-old white male presented to the clinic with two isolated cutaneous tumors on his forehead. A cutaneous biopsy showed a focally folliculotropic CD4 cutaneous lymphoma. The tumors were irradiated with a complete response, and he was started on oral bexarotene. He experienced localized cutaneous relapse 3 months into treatment. These new tumors now revealed a surprisingly CD8 cytotoxic phenotype, but with the same clone. A systemic workup was negative. His regimen was switched to romidepsin, and he was treated with local radiation again. Another 3.5 months passed in remission until he developed widespread cutaneous tumors. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography revealed multifocal systemic disease involving his diaphragm, liver, distal duodenum, proximal jejunum, anterior chest wall including pectoral muscles, and lungs without significant adenopathy. He died a few days later. Given his full clinical and pathological course, he was given the diagnosis of an aggressive primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, unspecified.

Cutaneous Small/Medium CD4+ Pleomorphic T-Cell Lymphoma-Like Nodule in a Patient With Erythema Chronicum Migrans.

CD4+ small/medium pleomorphic T-cell lymphoma is a relatively rare subtype of cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorder with an indolent clinical behavior. The place of this condition among lymphomas is debatable. The authors describe a rare case of the direct association of CD4 small/medium pleomorphic T-cell lymphoma-like solitary nodule with Borrelia burgdorferi infection in a 5-year-old boy, discuss the reactive nature of this condition, and emphasize the importance of clinicopathological correlation.

Hydroa Vacciniforme-Like EBV-Positive Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma, First Report of 2 Cases in Ecuador.

Hydroa vacciniforme-like cutaneous lymphoma is a very rare Epstein-Barr virus positive peripheral T-cell lymphoma affecting Asian and Hispanic children and young adults with a defective cytotoxic immune response to EBV predisposing to the development of the disease. We report on 2 Ecuadorian patients with papulovesicular and ulcerated crusted lesions on the face, upper and lower extremities and abdomen, with aggressive clinical course and, in one case, a fatal outcome. The histological and molecular profiles (immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization) established a diagnosis of hydroa vacciniforme-like Epstein-Barr virus-encoded small RNAs + cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in both cases.

Primary cutaneous T cell lymphomas: photochemotherapy immunomodulation with analysis of the inflammatory-expansive cellular dynamic.

Primary cutaneous T cell lymphomas (CTCLs) are characterized by hyperproliferation of malignant CD4+ T cells with primary localization on the skin. The common characteristics are the migration of the malignant mature T-lymphocytes into the epidermis, with hyperproliferation of malignant CD4+ T cells and epidermotropism. Sézary syndrome (SS) is the leukemic variant. It was established that CTCLs arise from a clonal expansion of CD4+ T cells with an identical rearrangement of the T cell receptor. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the immunomodulation effect of photochemotherapy-A (psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA)). Pre- and post-PUVA punch skin biopsies of nine patients were stained immunohistochemically for CD34+, CD8+, CD7+, CD16+, CD56+, CD1a+, Bcl2+, p53+, CD45RA+, and CD45RO+ cells. The results showed a pre-PUVA cells/mm(2) without significant difference among expansive or reactive cells. Post-PUVA analysis showed a significant decrease in the mean of expansive-reactive cells. PUVA immunomodulated decreasing cellular infiltrate. These findings could contribute to the comprehension of how PUVA acts. We achieved ectoscopic clearance of the lesions, although post-PUVA, there still was a mononuclear pathological infiltrate. This result demonstrates that the PUVA treatment should only be withheld when the histological analysis is normal.

EBV-associated cutaneous NK/T-cell lymphoma: review of a series of 14 cases from peru in children and young adults.

We have reviewed clinically, morphologically, and immunophenotypically a series of 14 Epstein-Bar virus (EBV)+ cutaneous natural killer cell (NK)/T-cell lymphoma from Peru. Most (11 out of 14) of these cases fit well into the category of Hydroa vacciniforme-like lymphoma (HVLL), but 3 have a different clinical presentation, without facial involvement. In all 14 cases, skin lesions present in both the sun-exposed and nonexposed areas exhibited a slowly progressive relapsing course, changing from edema, to blistering, ulceration, and final scarring. The immunophenotype had a cytotoxic T or NK-cell lineage. The mean time of disease before admission to hospital was 69 months (range, 6 mo to 31 y). Only 2 patients had fever, hepatosplenomegaly, systemic lymphadenopathy, and a high lactate dehydrodenage (LDH) level at the time of diagnosis, whereas 10 had facial swelling. After treatment, only 4 patients remain alive, although with persistent disease. Ten patients died after a mean follow-up of 11.6 months after the initial diagnosis (range, 1 to 32 mo), because of concurrent infections (4 cases), disease progression (4 patients) or both (2 patients). Endemic Epstein-Bar virus (EBV)-positive cutaneous NK/T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders in childhood and early adulthood are characterized by a protracted clinical course, eventually leading to an aggressive phase characterized by concurrent infections and disease progression.

Aplicación de la citometría de flujo en el diagnóstico inmunológico de los linfomas cutáneos T / Application of flow cytometry in the immunological diagnosis of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas

Se comunican las características inmunofenotípicas de 7 pacientes (5 del sexo masculino y 2 del femenino) con el diagnóstico clínico-morfológico de linfomas cutáneos de células T, atendidos en la consulta de Hematología del Instituto de Hematología e Inmunología. La edad de los pacientes osciló entre 17 y 88 años. El inmunodiagnóstico se realizó por inmunofluorescencia directa con un panel de anticuerpos monoclonales que incluyó marcadores linfoides B y T: CD2, CD3, CD4, CD5, CD7, CD8, CD19, CD22 y CD25. La lectura se realizó en un clitómetro de flujo FaCScan (Becton-Dickinson ). Cada marcador se consideró positivo si un porcentaje mayor al 20 por ciento de los linfocitos expresaba el antígeno. Nuestros resultados mostraron que en la mayoría de los pacientes predominó el patrón general de los linfocitos T con función auxiliadora (CD3+, CD4+, CD8-). Se corrobora que la citometría de flujo es un procedimiento más rápido y menos laborioso que otros métodos de inmunofenotipaje celular, que nos permite un diagnóstico de certeza y la aplicación de una terapia efectiva.

The immunophenotypic characteristics of 7 patients (5 males and 2 females) with clinicomorphological diagnosis of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas that received attention at the Hematology Department of the Institute of Hematology and Immunology were reported. The age ot the patients ranged from 17 to 88 years old. The immunodiagnosis was obtained by direct immunofluorescence with a panel of monoclonal antibodies that included B and T lymphoid markers: CD2, CD3, CD4, CD5, CD7, CD8, CD19, CD22 and CD25. The reading was made in a FaCScan flow cytometer (Becton-Dickinson). Each marker was considered positive if a percentage over 20 percent of the lymphocytes expressed the antigen. Our results showed the predominance in most of the patients of a general pattern of T-lymphocytes with auxiliary function (CD3+, CD4+, CD8-). It was corroborated that flow cytometry was a faster and less laborious method than other cellular immunophenotyping methods, and that it allowed to have an accurate diagnosis and to apply an effective therapy.

Linfomas cutáneos primarios: Parte I / Primary cutaneous lymphomas: Part I

Realizamos una revisión de la bibliografía sobre los linfomas cutáneos primarios tomando como base la nueva clasificación donde EORTC y OMS aunaron conceptos y criterios para ella. Destacamos que los linfomas cutáneos de células T tienen una mayor agresividad, tienen tendencia a lesiones más generalizadas y agresivas, y dentro de los más frecuentes del grupo se encuentran la micosis fungoide con todas sus variantes y el síndrome de Sézary. El linfoma T paniculítico con fenotipo alfa/beta debe ser considerado como tal, siendo la forma gamma/delta CD4- y CD8- con coexpresión CD56 incluido en la categoría de linfoma T gamma/delta. Los linfomas cutáneos de células B son menos agresivos y sus lesiones tienen preferencia por la zona de cabeza y cuello. En ellos se debe investigar por serología, infecciones previas, en especial por Borrelia burgdorferi. Las nuevas aclaraciones sobre los diferentes linfomas B, principalmente en los primarios difusos y en los perifoliculares, facilita la elección de una terapéutica más o menos agresiva. Se avanza cada día más en el estudio de estas patologías, debiéndose realizar un estudio exhaustivo clínico y laboratorial donde se incluya el estudio inmunohistoquímico e inmunogenético, sin los cuales no se llega a realizar un acertado diagnóstico. Cada entidad definida como linfoma tiene como característica el hecho de presentar un inmunofenotipo, un inmunogenotipo y un conjunto de anormalidades moleculares que la hacen diferenciable de otro tipo de linfoma, lo que permite diagnosticarlo, estadificarlo y predecir su comportamiento biológico. Múltiples terapéuticas en uso y/o en fase de investigación cambiarán en un futuro cercano la evolución de los linfomas cutáneos primarios. Podemos mencionar los anticuerpos monoclonales. Los anti CD20 (rituximab) son los más efectivos y los más estudiados. Dentro de otros se encuentran ya en estudios avanzados alemtuzumab (anti CD52), epratuzumab (anti CD22), apolizumab (anti HLA-DR) y galiximab...(AU)

We have a bibliographic revision of primary cutaneous limphomas using the EORTC and WHO new classification in order to unify concepts. Cutaneous T cell like lymphomas (C+CL) have a higher aggressiveness with a generalized and aggressive tendency; being the most frecuents all varieties of micosys fungoide (MF) and Sézary sindrome. Those lymphomas with a/ß phenotype must be estrictly considered as a subcutaneous panniculiticlike + cell lymphoma; and those with ?/d phenotype as +/NK cell lymphoma; wich has a very agressive clinical course. Cutaneous B cell lymphomas are less aggressive and its lesions are preferably situated in head and neck, in this cases previous infections must be investigated, specially Borrelia burgdoferi infections. The new classifications of diferents B lymphomas, principally betwen primary cutaneous and folliculars, facilitates the selection of a correct therapy. The study of these pathologies advances every day. It is very important to include immunihistochemical, immunogenetic and immunophenotype studies so as rech bo the correct diagnosis and classification of the lymphomas. New therapies and new combination of therapies will offer a promising future.(AU)

Linfomas cutáneos primarios: Parte I / Primary cutaneous lymphomas: Part I

Realizamos una revisión de la bibliografía sobre los linfomas cutáneos primarios tomando como base la nueva clasificación donde EORTC y OMS aunaron conceptos y criterios para ella. Destacamos que los linfomas cutáneos de células T tienen una mayor agresividad, tienen tendencia a lesiones más generalizadas y agresivas, y dentro de los más frecuentes del grupo se encuentran la micosis fungoide con todas sus variantes y el síndrome de Sézary. El linfoma T paniculítico con fenotipo alfa/beta debe ser considerado como tal, siendo la forma gamma/delta CD4- y CD8- con coexpresión CD56 incluido en la categoría de linfoma T gamma/delta. Los linfomas cutáneos de células B son menos agresivos y sus lesiones tienen preferencia por la zona de cabeza y cuello. En ellos se debe investigar por serología, infecciones previas, en especial por Borrelia burgdorferi. Las nuevas aclaraciones sobre los diferentes linfomas B, principalmente en los primarios difusos y en los perifoliculares, facilita la elección de una terapéutica más o menos agresiva. Se avanza cada día más en el estudio de estas patologías, debiéndose realizar un estudio exhaustivo clínico y laboratorial donde se incluya el estudio inmunohistoquímico e inmunogenético, sin los cuales no se llega a realizar un acertado diagnóstico. Cada entidad definida como linfoma tiene como característica el hecho de presentar un inmunofenotipo, un inmunogenotipo y un conjunto de anormalidades moleculares que la hacen diferenciable de otro tipo de linfoma, lo que permite diagnosticarlo, estadificarlo y predecir su comportamiento biológico. Múltiples terapéuticas en uso y/o en fase de investigación cambiarán en un futuro cercano la evolución de los linfomas cutáneos primarios. Podemos mencionar los anticuerpos monoclonales. Los anti CD20 (rituximab) son los más efectivos y los más estudiados. Dentro de otros se encuentran ya en estudios avanzados alemtuzumab (anti CD52), epratuzumab (anti CD22), apolizumab (anti HLA-DR) y galiximab...

We have a bibliographic revision of primary cutaneous limphomas using the EORTC and WHO new classification in order to unify concepts. Cutaneous T cell like lymphomas (C+CL) have a higher aggressiveness with a generalized and aggressive tendency; being the most frecuents all varieties of micosys fungoide (MF) and Sézary sindrome. Those lymphomas with a/ß phenotype must be estrictly considered as a subcutaneous panniculiticlike + cell lymphoma; and those with ?/d phenotype as +/NK cell lymphoma; wich has a very agressive clinical course. Cutaneous B cell lymphomas are less aggressive and its lesions are preferably situated in head and neck, in this cases previous infections must be investigated, specially Borrelia burgdoferi infections. The new classifications of diferents B lymphomas, principally betwen primary cutaneous and folliculars, facilitates the selection of a correct therapy. The study of these pathologies advances every day. It is very important to include immunihistochemical, immunogenetic and immunophenotype studies so as rech bo the correct diagnosis and classification of the lymphomas. New therapies and new combination of therapies will offer a promising future.

Linfoma cutáneo de células T (CTCL) / Lymphoma, T-Cell, cutaneous

Esta comunicación tiene por objeto informar a la comunidad médica sobre un caso sumamente infrecuente de linfoma cutáneo primario de céluas T (CTCL). Se trata de un CTCL pleomórfico de células pequeñas que, dentro de la clasificación de la EORTC corresponde al grupo considerado provisional. En este grupo se ubican todos los CTCL de los que se desconocen su evolución y pronóstico dado el número insuficiente de casos estudiados. Asimisno se realiza una revisión del tema de la que surgen las siguientes consideraciones: 1) los linfomas cutáneos primarios y los linfomas ganglionares no Hodgkin, son idénticos desde el punto de vista morfológico pero constituyen entidades diferentes tanto desde el punto de vista clínico cuanto biológico, 2) las clasificaciones de Kiel y REAL resultan insuficientes para tratar esta problemática, 3) la clasificación de la EORTC parece ser la más apropiada aunque aún no existe suficiente experiencia sobre algunos tipos de CTCL. (AU)

Linfoma cutáneo de células T (CTCL) / Lymphoma, T-Cell, cutaneous

Esta comunicación tiene por objeto informar a la comunidad médica sobre un caso sumamente infrecuente de linfoma cutáneo primario de céluas T (CTCL). Se trata de un CTCL pleomórfico de células pequeñas que, dentro de la clasificación de la EORTC corresponde al grupo considerado provisional. En este grupo se ubican todos los CTCL de los que se desconocen su evolución y pronóstico dado el número insuficiente de casos estudiados. Asimisno se realiza una revisión del tema de la que surgen las siguientes consideraciones: 1) los linfomas cutáneos primarios y los linfomas ganglionares no Hodgkin, son idénticos desde el punto de vista morfológico pero constituyen entidades diferentes tanto desde el punto de vista clínico cuanto biológico, 2) las clasificaciones de Kiel y REAL resultan insuficientes para tratar esta problemática, 3) la clasificación de la EORTC parece ser la más apropiada aunque aún no existe suficiente experiencia sobre algunos tipos de CTCL.

Edema crónico centrofacial con consumo del componente C1q del complemento / Centrofacial chronic edema with consumption of the component C1q of the complement

Se estudia un paciente de sexo masculino de 29 años, que padecía en el momento de la consulta edema de labios y párpados de un año y medio de evolución. Al confeccionar la historia clínica se determinó que los edemas se presentaban con reagudización, acompañados con úlceras de la mucosa yugal y fiebre de 40§C coincidente con las crisis. El edema de los párpados remitía casi en su totalidad con cada tratamiento esteroide, aunque no así el de labios. Los estudios de laboratorio mostraron anormalidades en la fracción C1q del complemento (0.3 mg ciento por ciento). El estudio histopatológico de un corte de labio halló infiltración mononuclear en el estroma, con disposición angiocéntrica. El infiltrado tenía células linfoides atípicas, que fueron positivas a la inmunomarcación con el anticuerpo monoclonal UCHL-1. Se diagnosticó linfoma T de presentación cutánea centrofacial. El caso se presenta por la interesante coexistencia en un individuo de un desorden linfoproliferativo con edema de labios inflamatorio crónico y edema de párpado recurrente por deficiencia adquirida del C1INH