W. Haedicke et al., Expression of CD94/NKG2A and killer immunoglobulin-like receptors in NK cells and a subset of extranodal cytotoxic T-cell lymphomas, BLOOD, 95(11), 2000, pp. 3628-3630
Thirty-two natural killer (NK) and cytotoxic T-cell lymphomas and 14 noncyt
otoxic nodal T-cell lymphoma controls were immunostained with the use of mo
noclonal antibodies reactive against NK cell receptor (NKR) molecules (CD94
, NKGPA, p58.2, p58.1, p140, p70, p50.3). All NK-cell lymphomas (4 nasal/or
al and 1 intestinal) expressed at least 1 NKR, the CD94/NKG2A complex. Two
were positive for 1 or more killer immunoglobulin like receptors. Of 15 ext
ranodal cytotoxic T-cell lymphomas, 3 expressed CD94, including 2 intestina
l and 1 hepatosplenic gamma delta T-cell lymphomas. In contrast, none of th
e nodal lymphomas were positive. Detection of NKRs may provide a useful too
l to confirm the diagnosis of NK cell lymphomas and to delineate a subgroup
of cytotoxic T-cell lymphomas. Expression of NKRs only in extranodal cytot
oxic T-cell lymphomas might reflect differences in the homing capabilities
of cytotoxic T cells expressing NKRs in normal individuals end might be inf
luenced in part by localized chronic immune reactions. (Blood. 2000;95:3628
-3630) (C) 2000 by The American Society of Hematology.