Characterization of a New Monoclonal Antibody Against PAX5/BASP in 1525 Paraffin-embedded Human and Animal Tissue Samples

Ocular mycobacterial lesions in cats

Ocular mycobacterial infections are an under-recognized cause of morbidity in the domestic cat. This study aimed to explore the distribution, histopathological appearance, and severity of feline ocular mycobacterial lesions, and to characterize the immune cell population with immunohistochemistry. Routine histological staining with hematoxylin and eosin, and Masson’s trichrome, was performed to identify ocular lesions and assign an inflammation score based on the number of cells present. Acid-fast bacilli were detected with Ziehl-Neelsen, and immunohistochemistry for ionized calcium-binding adaptor protein-1 (Iba1), calprotectin, cluster of differentiation 3 (CD3), and Pax5 was undertaken on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples from 24 cases of ocular mycobacteriosis. Posterior or panuveitis with concurrent retinitis was identified in 20/24 cases (83%), with retinal detachment in 16/20 (80%) of these cases. Choroidal lesions had the highest median inflammation score. Ziehl-Neelsen-positive organisms were detected in 20/24 cases (83%), with the highest prevalence of acid-fast bacilli detected in choroidal lesions (16/20, 80%). Lesions were typically granulomatous to pyogranulomatous, characterized by abundant numbers of Iba1-positive macrophages, followed by calprotectin-positive granulocytes and monocytes, fewer T cells, and rarer B cells. However, where iritis was identified, inflammation was typically lymphoplasmacytic (11/16 cases, 69%). Where diagnostic testing was performed, tuberculosis (ie, infection with Mycobacterium bovis, Mycobacterium microti, or a nonspeciated Mycobacterium tuberculosis-complex pathogen) was diagnosed in 20/22 cats (91%), with Mycobacterium lepraemurium infection identified in the other 2/22 cats (9%). These results suggest the choroid is the primary site of lesion development in most cases of feline ocular mycobacteriosis, and inflammatory changes are associated with the presence of mycobacteria localized to ocular tissues.

T-cell-derived Hodgkin lymphoma has motility characteristics intermediate between Hodgkin and anaplastic large cell lymphoma

Classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) is usually characterized by a low tumour cell content, derived from crippled germinal centre B cells. Rare cases have been described in which the tumour cells show clonal T-cell receptor rearrangements. From a clinicopathological perspective, it is unclear if these cases should be classified as cHL or anaplastic large T-cell lymphoma (ALCL). Since we recently observed differences in the motility of ALCL and cHL tumour cells, here, we aimed to obtain a better understanding of T-cell-derived cHL by investigating their global proteomic profiles and their motility. In a proteomics analysis, when only motility-associated proteins were regarded, T-cell-derived cHL cell lines showed the highest similarity to ALK^- ALCL cell lines. In contrast, T-cell-derived cHL cell lines presented a very low overall motility, similar to that observed in conventional cHL. Whereas all ALCL cell lines, as well as T-cell-derived cHL, predominantly presented an amoeboid migration pattern with uropod at the rear, conventional cHL never presented with uropods. The migration of ALCL cell lines was strongly impaired upon application of different inhibitors. This effect was less pronounced in cHL cell lines and almost invisible in T-cell-derived cHL. In summary, our cell line-derived data suggest that based on proteomics and migration behaviour, T-cell-derived cHL is a neoplasm that shares features with both cHL and ALCL and is not an ALCL with low tumour cell content. Complementary clinical studies on this lymphoma are warranted.

Immune Microenvironment Features and Dynamics in Hodgkin Lymphoma

Simple Summary

As happens in all neoplasms, the many reciprocal interactions taking place between neoplastic cells and the other reactive cells impact the course of the disease. Hodgkin Lymphoma is an haematologic malignancy where most of the pathological tissue is indeed composed by reactive cells and few neoplastic cells. Consequently, it represents an interesting subject for the description of the neoplastic and non-neoplastic cells interaction. In this review we report and discuss the more recent findings of microenvironmental studies about this disease.

Abstract

Classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma (cHL) accounts for 10% of all lymphoma diagnosis. The peculiar feature of the disease is the presence of large multinucleated Reed–Sternberg and mononuclear Hodgkin cells interspersed with a reactive microenvironment (ME). Due to the production of a large number of cytokines, Hodgkin cells (HCs) and Hodgkin Reed–Sternberg cells (HRSCs) attract and favour the expansion of different immune cell populations, modifying their functional status in order to receive prosurvival stimuli and to turn off the antitumour immune response. To this purpose HRSCs shape a biological niche by organizing the spatial distribution of cells in the ME. This review will highlight the contribution of the ME in the pathogenesis and prognosis of cHL and its role as a possible therapeutic target.

ALK-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma, null type with aberrant expression of PAX5 and CD138: A diagnostic pitfall

A 72-year-old man was found to have generalized lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, and elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase. Fine-needle aspiration and core needle biopsy of a cervical lymph node revealed a large lymphoid cell proliferation with features suggestive of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). However, immunophenotypically, the neoplastic cells expressed PAX5 and CD138 in addition to CD30, CD45, MUM-1 and were negative for T-cell markers, B-cell markers, CD15, ALK-1, HHV-8, EBER, kappa, lambda, and pancytokeratin. The ambiguous phenotype triggered further workup. Subsequent molecular studies demonstrated T-cell receptor gene rearrangement and lack of immunoglobulin gene rearrangement. Based on these findings, a diagnosis of ALK-negative ALCL, null type with aberrant expression of PAX5 and CD138, was rendered. The patient received palliative care due to his poor condition and died of the disease. This case presents a diagnostic pitfall and highlights the importance of cytological evaluation and complete workup in the diagnosis of unconventional lymphomas.

Histological and immunohistochemical features suggesting aetiological differences in lymph node and (muco)cutaneous feline tuberculosis lesions

OBJECTIVES

To identify and describe histological and immunohistochemical criteria that may differentiate between skin and lymph node lesions associated with Mycobacterium (M.) bovis and M. microti in a diagnostic pathology setting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Archived skin and lymph node biopsies of tuberculous lesions were stained with haematoxylin and eosin, Ziehl-Neelsen and Masson's Trichrome. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect the expression of calprotectin, CD3 and Pax5. Samples were scored for histological parameters (i.e. granulomas with central necrosis versus small granulomas without central necrosis, percentage necrosis and/or multinucleated giant cells), number of acid-fast bacilli (bacterial index) and lesion percentage of fibrosis and positive immunohistochemical staining.

RESULTS

Twenty-two samples were examined (M. bovis n=11, M. microti n=11). When controlling for age, gender and tissue, feline M. bovis-associated lesions more often featured large multi-layered granulomas with central necrosis. Conversely, this presentation was infrequent in feline M. microti-associated lesions, where small granulomas without central necrosis predominated. The presence of an outer fibrous capsule was variable in both groups, as was the bacterial index. There were no differences in intralesional expression of immunohistochemical markers.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Differences in the histological appearance of skin and lymph node lesions may help to infer feline infection with either M. bovis or M. microti at an earlier stage when investigating these cases, informing clinicians of the potential zoonotic risk. Importantly, cases of tuberculosis can present with numerous acid-fast bacilli. This implies that a high bacterial index does not infer infection with non-zoonotic non-tuberculous mycobacteria.

Overview of PAX gene family: analysis of human tissue-specific variant expression and involvement in human disease

Paired-box (PAX) genes encode a family of highly conserved transcription factors found in vertebrates and invertebrates. PAX proteins are defined by the presence of a paired domain that is evolutionarily conserved across phylogenies. Inclusion of a homeodomain and/or an octapeptide linker subdivides PAX proteins into four groups. Often termed "master regulators", PAX proteins orchestrate tissue and organ development throughout cell differentiation and lineage determination, and are essential for tissue structure and function through maintenance of cell identity. Mutations in PAX genes are associated with myriad human diseases (e.g., microphthalmia, anophthalmia, coloboma, hypothyroidism, acute lymphoblastic leukemia). Transcriptional regulation by PAX proteins is, in part, modulated by expression of alternatively spliced transcripts. Herein, we provide a genomics update on the nine human PAX family members and PAX homologs in 16 additional species. We also present a comprehensive summary of human tissue-specific PAX transcript variant expression and describe potential functional significance of PAX isoforms. While the functional roles of PAX proteins in developmental diseases and cancer are well characterized, much remains to be understood regarding the functional roles of PAX isoforms in human health. We anticipate the analysis of tissue-specific PAX transcript variant expression presented herein can serve as a starting point for such research endeavors.

Immunophenotyping of Sheep Paraffin-Embedded Peripheral Lymph Nodes

Sheep are not only a major livestock species globally, they are also an important large animal model for biomedical research and have contributed to our understanding of the ontogeny and architecture of the mammalian immune system. In this study, we applied immunohistochemistry and multicolor immunofluorescence in fixed and paraffin-embedded lymph nodes to phenotype the key populations of antigen presenting cells, lymphocytes, and stromal cells that orchestrate the host adaptive immune response. We used an extensive panel of antibodies directed against markers associated with dendritic cells (MHC class II, CD83, and CD208), macrophages (CD11b, CD163, and CD169), stromal cells (CNA.42, S100, and CD83), and lymphocytes (CD3, Pax5, CD4, CD8). Using different methods of tissue fixation and antigen retrieval, we provide a detailed immunophenotyping of sheep lymph nodes including the identification of potential subpopulations of antigen presenting cells and stromal cells. By characterizing cells expressing combinations of these markers in the context of their morphology and location within the lymph node architecture, we provide valuable new tools to investigate the structure, activation, and regulation of the sheep immune system in health and disease.

A novel immunohistochemical classifier to distinguish Hodgkin lymphoma from ALK anaplastic large cell lymphoma

Classical Hodgkin lymphoma and ALK(-) anaplastic large cell lymphoma share many features like strong CD30 expression and usually loss of B- and T-cell markers. However, their clinical course is dramatically different with curability rates of >90% for classical Hodgkin lymphoma and an unfavorable prognosis for anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Classical Hodgkin lymphoma and ALK(-) anaplastic large cell lymphoma can usually be distinguished by PAX5 expression in the Hodgkin and Reed-Sternberg cells of classical Hodgkin lymphoma and expression of cytotoxic molecules in tumor cells of anaplastic large cell lymphoma. However, in some cases the differential diagnosis is difficult owing to absence of established markers. To be able to better classify these cases, we reevaluated gene expression data of microdissected tumor cells of both lymphomas for differentially expressed genes. A classifier was established, comprising four genes strongly expressed in Hodgkin and Reed-Sternberg cells of classical Hodgkin lymphoma (MDC/CCL22, CD83, STAT3, and TUBB2B). Applying this classifier to a test cohort, Hodgkin lymphoma was successfully distinguished from ALK(-) anaplastic large cell lymphoma with an accuracy of 97% (43/44). MDC/CCL22, CD83, and STAT3 have also been found to be expressed in antigen-presenting cells. Therefore, based on our established classifier, Hodgkin and Reed-Sternberg cells differ from tumor cells of anaplastic large cell lymphoma, which can successfully be applied for practical purposes in histopathologic diagnostics.

Pathobiology of hodgkin lymphoma

Hodgkin's lymphoma is a lymphoid tumour that represents about 1% of all de novo neoplasms occurring every year worldwide. Its diagnosis is based on the identification of characteristic neoplastic cells within an inflammatory milieu. Molecular studies have shown that most, if not all cases, belong to the same clonal population, which is derived from peripheral B-cells. The relevance of Epstein-Barr virus infection at least in a proportion of patients was also demonstrated. The REAL/WHO classification recognizes a basic distinction between nodular lymphocyte predominance HL (NLPHL) and classic HL (CHL), reflecting the differences in clinical presentation, behavior, morphology, phenotype, molecular features as well as in the composition of their cellular background. CHL has been classified into four subtypes: lymphocyte rich, nodular sclerosing, mixed cellularity and lymphocyte depleted. Despite its well known histological and clinical features, Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) has recently been the object of intense research activity, leading to a better understanding of its phenotype, molecular characteristics and possible mechanisms of lymphomagenesis.

Early B-cell differentiation in Merkel cell carcinomas: clues to cellular ancestry

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a highly malignant neuroendocrine nonmelanoma skin cancer, which is associated with the Merkel cell polyoma virus (MCPyV). Recently, expression of the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) and the paired box gene 5 (PAX 5) has been consistently reported in the majority of MCCs. We tested 21 MCCs for the expression of MCPyV, TdT, PAX5, IgG, IgM, IgA, kappa, and lambda by immunohistochemistry and assessed IgH and Igk rearrangement in all 21 MCCs. All of the MCCs revealed specific expression of PAX5 and 72.8% of the MCCs expressed TdT. In addition, most of the MCCs revealed specific expression of one or more Ig subclasses and kappa or lambda. One MCC did reveal monoclonal IgH and Igk rearrangement next to two other MCCs showing Igk rearrangement. As coexpression of TdT and PAX5 under physiologic circumstances is restricted to pro/pre- and pre-B cells we propose, on the basis of our results, that the cell of origin of MCCs is a pro/pre- or pre-B cell rather than the postmitotic Merkel cells. MCPyV infection and transformation of pro-/pre-B cells are likely to induce the expression of simple cytokeratins as has been shown for SV40 in other nonepithelial cells. This model of cellular ancestry of MCCs might impact therapy and possibly helps to understand why approximately 20% of MCCs are MCPyV-negative.

PAX8 and PAX5 are differentially expressed in B-cell and T-cell lymphomas

AIMS

  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the expression patterns of B-cell specific activator protein (BSAP)/PAX5 and PAX8 in a wide variety of B-cell and T-cell neoplasms.

METHODS AND RESULTS

  A wide range of B-cell and T-cell neoplasms were subjected to immunohistochemical staining with antibodies against BSAP/PAX5 and PAX8 (polyclonal, pPAX8; monoclonal, mPAX8). Ten non-neoplastic lymph node specimens were examined with the same panel. All of the tested neoplastic and non-neoplastic B-cells reacted with the BSAP/PAX5 and pPAX8 antibodies, but did not show reactivity with the mPAX8 antibody. All tested T-cell neoplasms were negative using the BSAP/PAX5, pPAX8 and mPAX8 antibodies.

CONCLUSIONS

  This is the first study to show the absence of reactivity to an mPAX8 antibody in an expanded panel of B-cell lymphomas as well as in a variety of T-cell neoplasms. In contrast to the mPAX8 antibody, the pPAX8 antibody shows nuclear positivity in non-neoplastic B cells and mature B-cell neoplasms; however, this expression is probably a result of cross-reactivity with PAX5. Given that many laboratories use the pPAX8 antibody, a clear understanding of the differential staining patterns is necessary. The differential diagnosis of a B-cell lymphoma should be entertained when a pPAX8-positive, epithelial marker-negative neoplasm of uncertain primary origin is encountered.

Peripheral T cell lymphomas with follicular T helper phenotype: a new basket or a distinct entity? Revising Karl Lennert’s personal archive

AIMS

To revise 25 cases selected from Karl Lennert's personal archive (21) and Bologna and Frankfurt Registries (four) because of cytological similarities.

METHODS AND RESULTS

All cases were provided with paraffin blocks and studied by immunohistochemistry and molecular techniques. While phenotyping was very informative, among molecular studies only EBER in situ-hybridization (ISH) was successful. Twenty-two cases were concluded as peripheral T cell lymphomas (PTCL). Of these, six were reclassified as angioimmunoblastic T cell lymphoma (AITL), 13 as PTCL, not otherwise specified (NOS), including four follicular variants and one tumour with T-zone pattern, and three as borderline tumours between AITL and PTCL/NOS. All these cases consisted homogeneously of small/medium-sized elements with mild nuclear atypia and an evident rim of clear/pale cytoplasm. On immunohistochemistry, they regularly expressed three to six follicular helper T cell (FTH)-associated markers. EBER-ISH revealed scattered EBV-infected B cells in all tumours except those with 'follicular' growth pattern. The content of follicular dendritic cells and high-endothelial venules varied significantly depending on the histotype.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that: (i) historical material can be still employed usefully, and (ii) the FTH-phenotype corresponds to a broad spectrum of PTCLs that might form a new category to be validated in future molecular and clinicopathological analyses.

Anaplastic large-cell lymphoma

The concept of anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL) has changed over the years because of a stream of new information and novel understanding regarding the cell of origin, biology, genetics, and clinical features of these neoplasms. This new information has led to the current classification proposed by the expert reviewers of the World Health Organization. The objective of this review is to present the most updated information on the cytologic and histologic features of these entities, with a special reference to diagnostic algorithms. A detailed description of the genetic aberrations and the pathogenetic mechanisms leading to transformation is presented. The clinical features of ALCL and novel tailored strategies are briefly illustrated.

Pathobiology of ALK-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma

The authors revise the concept of ALK-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) in the light of the recently updated WHO classification of Tumors of Hematopoietic and Lymphoid Tissues both on biological and clinical grounds. The main histological findings are illustrated as well as the phenotypic, molecular and clinical characteristics. Finally, the biological rationale for possible innovative targeted therapies is presented.

Pathobiology of anaplastic large cell lymphoma

The authors revise the concept of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) in the light of the recently updated WHO classification of Tumors of Hematopoietic and Lymphoid Tissues both on biological and clinical grounds. The main histological findings are illustrated with special reference to the cytological spectrum that is indeed characteristic of the tumor. The phenotype is reported in detail: the expression of the ALK protein as well as the chromosomal abnormalities is discussed with their potential pathogenetic implications. The clinical features of ALCL are presented by underlining the difference in terms of response to therapy and survival between the ALK-positive and ALK-negative forms. Finally, the biological rationale for potential innovative targeted therapies is presented.