Defining TCRγδ lymphoproliferative disorders by combined immunophenotypic and molecular evaluation

Nat Commun. 2022 Jun 8;13(1):3298. doi: 10.1038/s41467-022-31015-x.

Abstract

Tγδ large granular lymphocyte leukemia (Tγδ LGLL) is a rare lymphoproliferative disease, scantily described in literature. A deep-analysis, in an initial cohort of 9 Tγδ LGLL compared to 23 healthy controls, shows that Tγδ LGLL dominant clonotypes are mainly public and exhibit different V-(D)-J γ/δ usage between patients with symptomatic and indolent Tγδ neoplasm. Moreover, some clonotypes share the same rearranged sequence. Data obtained in an enlarged cohort (n = 36) indicate the importance of a combined evaluation of immunophenotype and STAT mutational profile for the correct management of patients with Tγδ cell expansions. In fact, we observe an association between Vδ2/Vγ9 clonality and indolent course, while Vδ2/Vγ9 negativity correlates with symptomatic disease. Moreover, the 7 patients with STAT3 mutations have neutropenia and a CD56-/Vδ2- phenotype, and the 3 cases with STAT5B mutations display an asymptomatic clinical course and CD56/Vδ2 expression. All these data indicate that biological characterization is needed for Tγδ-cell neoplasm definition.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Immunophenotyping
  • Leukemia, Large Granular Lymphocytic* / diagnosis
  • Leukemia, Large Granular Lymphocytic* / genetics
  • Leukemia, Large Granular Lymphocytic* / metabolism
  • Mutation
  • Phenotype
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta* / genetics

Substances

  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta