Expansion of CD8+ T cells that express low levels of the B cell-specific molecule CD20 in patients with multiple myeloma

Br J Haematol. 2003 Feb;120(3):478-81. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2141.2003.04087.x.

Abstract

An expanded cytotoxic/memory T-cell subpopulation expressing low levels of the B-cell-specific CD20 molecule was found in peripheral blood and bone marrow of patients with multiple myeloma at the time of diagnosis, but returned to normal levels following treatment. CD3+CD20dim cells were also increased in monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance albeit at lower levels. Lower CD3+CD20dim cell numbers at baseline may be associated with lack of response to treatment and a poor outcome. Because expansion of these T cells may be related to disease status, further studies should investigate their potentially unique function in plasma cell dyscrasias.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antigens, CD20 / metabolism*
  • Bone Marrow / immunology
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Immunophenotyping
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Myeloma / immunology*
  • Multiple Myeloma / therapy
  • Paraproteinemias / immunology
  • Prospective Studies
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology*

Substances

  • Antigens, CD20