EBV-ASSOCIATED B CELL LYMPHOPROLIFERATIVE DISORDERS IN IMMUNODEFICIENCY: THERAPEUTIC STRATEGIES (MEETING ABSTRACT)

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1992. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

EBV-ASSOCIATED B CELL LYMPHOPROLIFERATIVE DISORDERS IN IMMUNODEFICIENCY: THERAPEUTIC STRATEGIES (MEETING ABSTRACT)

Causes, Cures and Consequences of Lymphoproliferative Diseases--A Symposium to Honor George and Eva Klein. May 9-11, 1991, Omaha, NE, 1991.. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE ICDB/92679942
Shapiro RS; Univ. of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55455

Abstract: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated B cell lymphoproliferative disorder (BLPD) is a recognized complication of primary (congenital) immunodeficiency as well as secondary (acquired or iatrogenic) immunodeficiency such as after organ transplantation, following bone marrow transplantation, and in patients (pts) with AIDS. Although the nature of the immune defect(s) that predispose to the development of BLPD are unknown, it is postulated that aberrant EBV-specific T-cell responses are involved. It is our hypothesis that unbalanced lymphokine production is a major contributory factor to abnormal B-cell growth in response to EBV, resulting in BLPD. Since interferon alpha (IFN-alpha) and interleukin 4 (IL-4) have been found to be major regulators of normal B-cell proliferation and also regulate the synthesis of immunoglobulin E, we determined serum levels of IFN-alpha, IL-4 and IgE in 6 pts with newly diagnosed BLPD and 10 normal EBV seropositive controls. In comparison with healthy EBV-seropositive individuals, pts with BLPD exhibited (a) significantly lower levels of serum IFN-alpha, (b) significantly higher levels of serum IL-4, and (c) significantly higher levels of serum IgE. These results suggest that imbalance in the proportions of circulating lymphokines favoring B-cell proliferation may be contributing to the development of EBV-associated BLPD. The significance of these findings is exemplified by our recent success in the treatment of BLPD with IFN-alpha and iv immunoglobulin. It is our hope that through better understanding of the pathophysiology of EBV-associated BLPD in immunodeficient individuals, better prophylactic and therapeutic regimens can be developed.

Keywords: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/COMPLICATIONS B-Lymphocytes/CYTOLOGY Bone Marrow Transplantation/ADVERSE EFFECTS Cell Division *Herpesvirus 4, Human Human IgE/BIOSYNTHESIS Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes/*COMPLICATIONS Interferon-alpha/BLOOD Interleukin-4/BLOOD Lymphokines/METABOLISM Lymphoma, B-Cell/IMMUNOLOGY/*THERAPY T-Lymphocytes/IMMUNOLOGY ABSTRACT

920530
M9250953

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Gill Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Quest Diagnostics, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1992. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1992. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .