title: Molecular detection of a B cell clone in a case of PTCL in the absence of T cell clonality.
abstract: In this paper we document a case of peripheral T cell lymphoma (PTCL) that exhibited variable T cell histology at presentation and follow-up. Southern blot analysis for T cell receptor (TCR) and immunoglobulin (Ig) receptor gene rearrangements failed to reveal clonal T or B cell populations. TCR gamma (TCRG) and beta (TCRB) chain gene polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of DNA isolated from biopsies was also consistent with polyclonal T cell populations, however Ig PCR revealed clonal Ig rearrangements in follow-up biopsies but not in the presentation biopsy. There was no histological evidence for a neoplastic B cell population in these biopsies although occasional EB virus positive blasts were present. The significance of a cryptic B cell clone is unknown but suggests a relationship with the proliferating polyclonal T cells in this case of PTCL. These data reflect the complexity of PTCL with implications for treatment and patient management.
authors.affiliation: Wessex Immunology Service, Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust, U.K.
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Hodges
authors.forename: C T
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Quin
authors.forename: D H
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Wright
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000473:pathology; D015139:Blotting, Southern; D002999:Clone Cells; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000473:pathology; D016411:Lymphoma, T-Cell, Peripheral / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000032:analysis; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000473:pathology*
chemical_list: D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell