Affiliation:
1. From the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Mass
Abstract
Abstract
Context.—Mature B lymphocytes exhibit allelic exclusion in which only a single class of immunoglobulin heavy chain and a single class of light chain, either κ or λ, are expressed. There have been several reports indicating that double light-chain gene rearrangements or dual light-chain expression can occur in B-cell malignant neoplasms, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Currently, it is a common notion that demonstration of light-chain restriction in a B-cell population is generally considered proof of monoclonality and indicates malignancy.
Objective.—To increase awareness of the existence of the dual κ/λ immunoglobulin light-chain expressing B-cell leukemia/lymphoma, to emphasize the importance of visual inspection of flow cytometric data, and to present the guidelines for flow cytometric interpretation of dual κ/λ coexpressing populations.
Data Sources.—Through comprehensive literature review, this article discusses the current understandings regarding the dual light-chain expression in B-cell neoplasms, the cellular and molecular mechanisms, and the clinical and diagnostic implications of dual light-chain expression.
Conclusions.—Dual κ/λ light-chain expressing B-cell leukemia/lymphomas do exist. Recognition of the dual κ/ λ light-chain expression on B cells has diagnostic implication in leukemia/lymphoma immunophenotyping.
Publisher
Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
Subject
Medical Laboratory Technology,General Medicine,Pathology and Forensic Medicine
Cited by
21 articles.
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