title: HCV-associated lymphomas.
abstract: Epidemiologic and molecular observations have recently suggested that hepatitis C virus (HCV) may be the causative agent of some B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (B-NHL). Epidemiologic data suggest that in Italy about 5% of B-NHL are caused by HCV. Molecular data indicate a close relationship between HCV-associated B-NHL and type II mixed cryoglobulinemia. The latter disorder appears to reflect the benign monoclonal proliferation of B cells expressing a specific cross-reactive idiotype, known as WA, that may recognize an antigen of HCV, perhaps the E2 protein. Genetic abnormalities occurring during this phase of antigen-induced clonal expansion may drive the neoplastic transformation into low- or high-grade lymphoma. The recent demonstration that splenic B cell lymphomas associated with HCV-infection may regress after successful antiviral therapy confirms a role for this virus in B-cell lymphomagenesis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Rome La Sapienza, Viale dell'Università, 37, 00185 Rome, Italy. Massimo.Fiorilli@uniroma1.it
authors.forename: Massimo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fiorilli
authors.forename: Cristina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mecucci
authors.forename: Patrizia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Farci
authors.forename: Milvia
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Casato
mesh_terms: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000821:virology; D002472:Cell Transformation, Viral; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations; D003449:Cryoglobulinemia / Q000821:virology; D018450:Disease Progression; D005544:Forecasting; D019254:Genes, bcl-2; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000235:genetics / Q000472:pathogenicity* / Q000502:physiology; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D016393:Lymphoma, B-Cell / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics / Q000821:virology*; D008232:Lymphoproliferative Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics / Q000821:virology; D008954:Models, Biological
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D000998:Antiviral Agents