Ig V region gene expression in small lymphocytic lymphoma with little or no somatic hypermutation
Pratt, L.F.; Rassenti, L.; Larrick, J.; Robbins, B.; Banks, P.M.; Kipps, T.J.
Journal of Immunology 143(2): 699-705
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-1767 PMID: 2661689 Document Number: 335781
Using the polymerase chain reaction we examined for specific Ig .kappa.-L chain V region gene (V.kappa. gene) rearrangement in small lymphocytic non-Hodgkin's lymphomas that express Ig bearing a major .kappa.-L chain associated cross-reactive Id, designated 17,109. Previously, we identified the 17.109-cross-reactive Id in chronic lymphocytic leukemia as a serologic marker for expression of a highly conserved V.kappa. gene, designated HumKv325. Using sense-strand oligonucleotides specific for the 5'-end of this V.kappa. gene and antisense oligonucleotide specific for a J.kappa. region consensus sequence, we could amplify specifically Humkv325 when juxtaposed with J.kappa. through Ig gene rearrangement. This allowed us to amplify rearranged V.kappa. genes from DNA isolated from minute amounts of lymphoma biopsy material for molecular analyses. Our studies demonstrate that 17.109-reactive SL NHL, with or without associated CLL, rearrange, and presumably express, Humku325 without substanial somatic diversification. Our data suggest that malignant B cells in SL NHL, in contrast to NHL of follicular center cell origin, may express immunoglobulin variable region genes with little or no somatic hypermutation.