The Role of Tumor Microenvironment in the Pathogenesis of Sézary Syndrome

Abstract

Sézary syndrome is an aggressive leukemic variant of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas, characterized by erythroderma, lymphadenopathy, and peripheral blood involvement by CD4+ malignant T-cells. The pathogenesis of Sézary syndrome is not fully understood. However, the course of the disease is strongly influenced by the tumor microenvironment, which is altered by a combination of cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors. The crosstalk between malignant and reactive cells affects the immunologic response against tumor cells causing immune dysregulation. This review focuses on the interaction of malignant Sézary cells and the tumor microenvironment.