Autoantibody production from a thymoma and a follicular dendritic cell sarcoma associated with paraneoplastic pemphigus

Paraneoplastic pemphigus/paraneoplastic autoimmune multiorgan syndrome: Part I. Clinical overview and pathophysiology

Paraneoplastic pemphigus/paraneoplastic autoimmune multiorgan syndrome (PNP/PAMS) is a highly fatal autoimmune blistering disease. The condition occurs in patients with underlying benign or malignant neoplasms, most commonly lymphoproliferative disorders. Both humoral and cell-mediated immunities contribute to the pathogenesis, and autoantibodies against plakin family proteins are characteristic. Patients typically present with severe stomatitis and polymorphous skin lesions, which are often resistant to treatment. Bronchiolitis obliterans (BO) is a frequent complication which contributes to the high mortality rate of PNP/PAMS. Given the rarity of this disorder and heterogeneity of clinical presentation, clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for PNP/PAMS to avoid delayed diagnosis. In this first part of a two-part continuing medical education (CME) series, risk factors, pathogenesis, and clinical features of PNP/PAMS are discussed.

S2k guidelines on the management of paraneoplastic pemphigus/paraneoplastic autoimmune multiorgan syndrome initiated by the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV)

BACKGROUND

Paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP), also called paraneoplastic autoimmune multiorgan syndrome (PAMS), is a rare autoimmune disease with mucocutaneous and multi-organ involvement. PNP/PAMS is typically associated with lymphoproliferative or haematological malignancies, and less frequently with solid malignancies. The mortality rate of PNP/PAMS is elevated owing to the increased risk of severe infections and disease-associated complications, such as bronchiolitis obliterans.

OBJECTIVES

These guidelines summarize evidence-based and expert-based recommendations (S2k level) for the clinical characterization, diagnosis and management of PNP/PAMS. They have been initiated by the Task Force Autoimmune Blistering Diseases of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology with the contribution of physicians from all relevant disciplines. The degree of consent among all task force members was included.

RESULTS

Chronic severe mucositis and polymorphic skin lesions are clue clinical characteristics of PNP/PAMS. A complete assessment of the patient with suspected PNP/PAMS, requiring histopathological study and immunopathological investigations, including direct and indirect immunofluorescence, ELISA and, where available, immunoblotting/immunoprecipitation, is recommended to achieve a diagnosis of PNP/PAMS. Detection of anti-envoplakin antibodies and/or circulating antibodies binding to the rat bladder epithelium at indirect immunofluorescence is the most specific tool for the diagnosis of PNP/PAMS in a patient with compatible clinical and anamnestic features. Treatment of PNP/PAMS is highly challenging. Systemic steroids up to 1.5 mg/kg/day are recommended as first-line option. Rituximab is also recommended in patients with PNP/PAMS secondary to lymphoproliferative conditions but might also be considered in cases of PNP/PAMS associated with solid tumours. A multidisciplinary approach involving pneumologists, ophthalmologists and onco-haematologists is recommended for optimal management of the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

These are the first European guidelines for the diagnosis and management of PNP/PAMS. Diagnostic criteria and therapeutic recommendations will require further validation by prospective studies.

Follicular dendritic cells

Follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) are unique accessory immune cells that contribute to the regulation of humoral immunity. They are multitasker cells essential for the organization and maintenance of the lymphoid architecture, induction of germinal center reaction, production of B memory cells, and protection from autoimmune disorders. They perform their activities through both antigen-driven and chemical signaling to B cells. FDCs play a crucial role in the physiological regulation of the immune response. Dis-regulation of this immune response results when FDCs retain antigens for years. This provides a constant antigenic stimulation for B cells resulting in the development of immune disorders. Antigen trapped on FDCs is resistant to therapeutic intervention causing chronicity and recurrences. Beyond their physiological immunoregulatory functions, FDCs are involved in the pathogenesis of several immune-related disorders including HIV/AIDS, prion diseases, chronic inflammatory, and autoimmune disorders. FDCs have also been recently implicated in rare neoplasms of lymphoid and hematopoietic tissues. Understanding FDC biology is essential for better control of humoral immunity and opens the gate for therapeutic management of FDC-mediated immune disorders. Thus, the biology of FDCs has become a hot research area in the last couple of decades. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of FDCs and their role in physiological and pathological conditions.

TAFRO Syndrome with Renal Thrombotic Microangiopathy: Insights into the Molecular Mechanism and Treatment Opportunities

TAFRO syndrome is an extremely rare form of idiopathic MCD, characterized by thrombocytopenia, anasarca, fever, reticulin fibrosis on bone marrow biopsy, and organomegaly. Like idiopathic MCD, renal involvement is also a common presentation in patients with TAFRO syndrome. Furthermore, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN)-like injury and thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) are the most reported histopathologic findings of renal biopsy. Several molecular mechanisms have been previously postulated in order to explain the TAFRO syndrome symptoms, including abnormal production of interleukin-6 (IL-6), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), etc. The role of these cytokines in renal injury, however, is not well understood. The aim of this review article is to summarize the latest knowledge of molecular mechanisms behind the TAFRO syndrome and their potential role in renal damage.

Remission of Thymoma on Steroid Therapy in a Patient With Atypical Thymoma-Associated Multiorgan Autoimmunity: A Case Report and Literature Review

In up to 34% of cases, thymoma, itself a rare neoplasm, is accompanied by autoimmune disorders, two of which are thymoma-associated multiorgan autoimmunity (TAMA) and paraneoplastic autoimmune multiorgan syndrome (PAMS). Unfortunately, differential diagnosis between these two entities can be challenging since no strict PAMS definition exists and PAMS can overlap with a subgroup of TAMA patients with skin lesions as leading presentation. We present a case of a 68-year-old woman with a diagnosis of thymoma accompanied by myasthenia gravis, hypothyroidism and GvHD-like mucocutaneous lesions that initially could account to both TAMA and PAMS diagnosis. However, following the exclusion of humoral autoimmunity against components of epithelial cells junction, TAMA was finally established. Interestingly, the introduction of corticosteroid therapy for TAMA symptom management resulted in unexpected partial remission of thymoma with no impact on mucocutaneous lesions. Our case study is an example of two extremely rare phenomena accompanying thymomas: unprecedented TAMA presentation with GvHD-like mucositis, which as we postulate should be placed in the spectrum of TAMA, and tumor remission on steroids.

Intra-abdominal inflammatory pseudotumor-like follicular dendritic cell sarcoma associated with paraneoplastic pemphigus: A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUD

Follicular dendritic cell (FDC) sarcomas are rare neoplasms that occur predominantly in the lymph nodes. They can also occur extranodally. Extranodal FDC sarcomas most commonly present as solitary masses. Inflammatory pseudotumor (IPT)-like FDC sarcomas, a subcategory of FDC sarcomas, are rarer than other sarcoma subtypes. They are composed of spindle or ovoid neoplastic cells and exhibit an admixture of plasma cells and prominent lymphoplasmacytic infiltration. Paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP), also known as paraneoplastic autoimmune multiorgan syndrome, is a rare autoimmune bullous disease that is associated with underlying neoplasms. PNP has a high mortality, and its early diagnosis is usually difficult.

CASE SUMMARY

We describe a 27-year-old woman who presented with stomatitis, conjunctivitis, and skin blisters and erosions as her first symptoms of PNP with an intra-abdominal IPT-like FDC sarcoma. The patient underwent surgical tumor resection and received tapering oral corticosteroid treatment. She showed no recurrence at the 1-year follow-up.

CONCLUSION

IPT-like FDC sarcomas are rare underlying neoplasms that have an uncommon association with PNP. PNP-associated FDC sarcomas predominantly occur in intra-abdominal sites and suggest a poor prognosis. Surgical resection is an essential and effective treatment for PNP and primary and recurrent FDC sarcomas.

A systematic review of paraneoplastic syndromes associated with thymoma: Treatment modalities, recurrence, and outcomes in resected cases

OBJECTIVE

Paraneoplastic syndromes associated with thymomas remain incompletely understood. The objective was to examine the association between surgically resected thymomas and paraneoplastic syndromes over the past half century.

METHODS

A primary PubMed/MEDLINE search was used to identify published articles describing paraneoplastic syndromes associated with thymomas from 1960 to 2019. A secondary search identified additional articles referenced in the articles found in the primary search. Kaplan-Meier and log-rank test were used for time-to-event data analyses.

RESULTS

From 407 articles describing 507 patients, 123 different paraneoplastic syndromes were associated with thymoma. The 5 most common paraneoplastic syndromes were myasthenia gravis, pure red cell aplasia, lichen planus, Good syndrome, and limbic encephalitis. Complete or partial resolution of paraneoplastic syndrome symptoms after surgery was noted in 76% of patients, of whom 21% had a relapse or new paraneoplastic syndrome onset after surgery. The most common adjunctive therapy associated with resolution of paraneoplastic syndrome was corticosteroids (30%). For all patients after surgery, thymoma recurrence was observed in 17% of cases, whereas recurrence of paraneoplastic syndrome was observed in 34% of cases, and both were observed in approximately 11% of cases. The 5- and 10-year overall survivals were 78% and 66%, respectively. Improved overall survival was associated with patients who had total resolution from paraneoplastic syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

A comprehensive assessment of publications over the past half century suggests that a multimodal treatment approach that includes surgical resection of thymomas is able to achieve paraneoplastic syndrome resolution in a majority of patients. Onset of new paraneoplastic syndromes after surgery is associated with the recurrence of the first paraneoplastic syndrome, and resolution of paraneoplastic syndrome is associated with improved overall survival.

Paraneoplastic Pemphigus Revealed by Anti-programmed Death-1 Pembrolizumab Therapy for Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Complicating Hidradenitis Suppurativa

A 64-year-old patient developed a widespread autoimmune mucocutaneous blistering disease 3 weeks after the initiation of the anti-programmed death-1 (anti-PD-1) pembrolizumab therapy administered for a locally advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the buttocks arising from hidradenitis suppurativa. A diagnosis of paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP) was made based on the presence of a suprabasal acantholysis associated with intercellular deposits of immunoglobulin G and C3 on basement membrane zone. Analysis of the patient's sera was positive on monkey bladder and detected circulating antibodies against desmoglein 3 and desmoplakin I prior to the initiation of pembrolizumab. At that time, the patient had few localized blisters limited to the peri-tumoral skin of the buttocks with acantholysis but without in vivo immune deposits. Pembrolizumab therapy was discontinued and a complete remission of PNP was obtained using oral steroids. Reintroduction of pembrolizumab resulted in flare of PNP. Given the close temporal relation between pembrolizumab initiation and the subsequent clinical expression of a widespread PNP, the patient was diagnosed with pre-existing subclinical PNP exacerbated by PD-1 inhibitor. The extreme rarity of PNP in the setting of cutaneous SCC and the effects of challenge, dechallenge, and rechallenge of pembrolizumab argue in favor of a checkpoint inhibitor related adverse effect. Our case is the first PNP associated with anti-PD-1 therapy and serological follow-up suggest that one infusion of pembrolizumab is sufficient to allow clinical expression of underlying pemphigus auto-immunity.

Paraneoplastic pemphigus: a clinical, laboratorial, and therapeutic overview

Paraneoplastic pemphigus is a rare and severe autoimmune blistering disease characterized by mucocutaneous lesions associated with benign and malignant neoplasms. Diagnostic criteria include the presence of chronic mucositis and polymorphic cutaneous lesions with occult or confirmed neoplasia; histopathological analysis exhibiting intraepidermal acantholysis, necrotic keratinocytes, and vacuolar interface dermatitis; direct immunofluorescence with intercellular deposits (IgG and C3) and at the basement membrane zone (IgG); indirect immunofluorescence with intercellular deposition of IgG (substrates: monkey esophagus and simple, columnar, and transitional epithelium); and, autoreactivity to desmogleins 1 and 3, desmocollins 1, 2, and 3, desmoplakins I and II, envoplakin, periplakin, epiplakin, plectin, BP230, and α-2-macroglobulin-like protein 1. Neoplasias frequently related to paraneoplastic pemphigus include chronic lymphocytic leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, carcinomas, Castleman disease, thymoma, and others. Currently, there is no standardized treatment for paraneoplastic pemphigus. Systemic corticosteroids, azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, cyclosporine, rituximab, cyclophosphamide, plasmapheresis, and intravenous immunoglobulin have been used, with variable outcomes. Reported survival rates in 1, 2, and 5 years are 49%, 41%, and 38%, respectively.

Follicular dendritic cell sarcoma aggravated by hyaline-vascular Castleman's disease in association with paraneoplastic pemphigus: study of the tumor and successful treatment

The authors have successfully treated and monitored a case of paraneoplastic pemphigus in association with follicular dendritic cell sarcoma aggravated by hyaline-vascular Castleman's disease. The patient was a 56-year-old female who presented with recalcitrant erosive lichen planus of the oral cavity, tongue, and genital mucosa, along with polymorphous eruptions throughout her body. Histological examination of the cutaneous lesions, indirect immunofluorescence on rat bladder epithelium, and western blot of human keratinocyte proteins identified anti-epidermal antibodies in the patient's serum. Positron emission tomography and computed tomography scans found a mass in her retroperitoneal region. Pathology and immunohistochemistry investigation further corroborated the diagnosis of follicular dendritic cell sarcoma originated from hyaline-vascular Castleman's disease. Complete remission was achieved and the patient has been monitored for four years.

Follicular Dendritic Cell Sarcoma With Indolent T-Lymphoblastic Proliferation Is Associated With Paraneoplastic Autoimmune Multiorgan Syndrome

Nonclonal expansions of immature T cells outside of the thymus, termed indolent T-lymphoblastic proliferation (iT-LBP), have been identified in rare lymphoproliferative disorders. We report that iT-LBP is a frequent finding in cases of follicular dendritic cell sarcoma (FDCS), and shows an association with paraneoplastic autoimmune multiorgan syndrome (PAMS). We studied 31 cases of FDCS by paraffin immunohistochemistry using antibodies to CD21, CD23, CD35, clusterin, CXCL13, podoplanin, CD3, CD4, CD8, CD20, CD1a, and TdT. Chart review was performed to characterize the clinical behavior including evidence of autoimmune disease. FDCS occurred in a wide variety of nodal and extranodal sites. Fourteen of 31 (45%) cases contained immature TdT-positive T cells; in 5 cases these cells were numerous and present throughout the tumor. Four of these 5 patients with numerous immature T cells developed autoimmune disease, clinically categorized as PAMS and/or myasthenia gravis. PAMS persisted after tumor resection, causing severe morbidity and mortality. These findings suggest that the neoplastic follicular dendritic cells can recruit or foster the proliferation of immature T cells and that these cells may play a role in mediating PAMS. Recognition of iT-LBP in FDCS is important to avoid misdiagnosis as thymoma or T-lymphoblastic lymphoma, and may predict serious autoimmune complications in some patients.

Characteristics, management, and outcomes of patients with follicular dendritic cell sarcoma

Dendritic cell sarcomas are rare tumours of antigen presenting cells. Data regarding their biology, management and outcomes are sparse. We analysed 66 patients with follicular dendritic cell sarcoma (FDCS). Six patients also had Castleman disease, 9 had another malignancy and 13 had an autoimmune disease. Fifty-four per cent of patients presented with localized disease and 46% with systemic involvement. The median progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) following frontline therapy was 21 and 50 months, respectively. Survival outcomes were significantly inferior in patients with extranodal, bulky or intra-abdominal disease at presentation. Stage was not associated with survival. Management approaches were heterogeneous. Patients who underwent an upfront gross total resection (GTR) experienced better PFS and OS (both P < 0·0001). In patients who underwent a GTR, consolidative radiotherapy was associated with improved local control (P = 0·03), PFS (P = 0·04) and OS (P = 0·05). In patients with measureable disease, gemcitabine with a taxane yielded an overall response rate of 80%. The pattern of relapse was predominantly locoregional. Salvage rates after recurrence were poor. Studies are underway at our institution to define the genomic profile in FDCS and identify potential novel therapeutic targets.

Dendritic cell and histiocytic neoplasms: biology, diagnosis, and treatment

BACKGROUND

Dendritic and histiocytic cell neoplasms are rare malignancies that make up less than 1% of all neoplasms arising in lymph nodes or soft tissues. These disorders have distinctive disease biology, clinical presentations, pathology, and unique treatment options. Morphology and immunohistochemistry evaluation by a hematopathologist remains key for differentiating between these neoplasms. In this review, we describe tumor biology, clinical features, pathology, and treatment of follicular dendritic cell sarcoma, interdigitating dendritic cell sarcoma, indeterminate dendritic cell sarcoma, histiocytic sarcoma, fibroblastic reticular cell tumors, and disseminated juvenile xanthogranuloma.

METHODS

A literature search for articles published between 1990 and 2013 was undertaken. Articles are reviewed and salient findings are systematically described.

RESULTS

Patients with dendritic cell and histiocytic neoplasms have distinct but variable clinical presentations; however, because many tumors have recently been recognized, their true incidence is uncertain. Although the clinical features can present in many organs, most occur in the lymph nodes or skin. Most cases are unifocal and solitary presentations have good prognoses with surgical resection. The role of adjuvant therapy in these disorders remains unclear. In cases with disseminated disease, prognosis is poor and data on treatment options are limited, although chemotherapy and referral to a tertiary care center should be considered. Excisional biopsy is the preferred method of specimen collection for tissue diagnosis, and immunohistochemistry is the most important diagnostic method for differentiating these disorders from other entities.

CONCLUSIONS

Dendritic cell and histiocytic cell neoplasms are rare hematological disorders with variable clinical presentations and prognoses. Immunohistochemistry remains important for diagnosis. Larger pooled analyses or clinical trials are needed to better understand optimal treatment options in these rare disorders. Whenever possible, patients should be referred to a tertiary care center for disease management.

Prevalence of myasthenia gravis and associated autoantibodies in paraneoplastic pemphigus and their correlations with symptoms and prognosis

BACKGROUND

Paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP) involves multiple organs, but little is known about its neurological involvement.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the symptoms, prognosis and profiles of associated autoantibodies in myasthenia gravis (MG), and their correlations in patients with PNP.

METHODS

Fifty-eight patients with PNP were assessed for myasthenic symptoms and laboratory evidence. Serum autoantibodies against acetylcholine receptor (AChR), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), titin, ryanodine receptor (RyR) and muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Patients with pemphigus vulgaris (PV), pemphigus foliaceus (PF), connective tissue disease (CTD) and non-PNP MG (NP-MG), and healthy donors, served as controls. These autoantibodies in PNP were also compared in the presence or absence of dyspnoea or muscle weakness. Cox regression and log-rank tests were used for survival analysis.

RESULTS

Overall 39% of patients with PNP experienced muscle weakness, and 35% were diagnosed with MG. Moreover, 35% had positive anti-AChR and 28% had anti-AChE antibodies, similarly to NP-MG (33% and 17%, respectively, P > 0·05). However, both were negative in all patients with PV, PF and CTD and healthy donors (P < 0·005). No other antibodies showed significant differences among groups. Anti-AChR and anti-AChE antibody levels were significantly increased in patients with PNP with dyspnoea, while anti-AChR, anti-titin and anti-RyR were significantly increased in patients with PNP with muscle weakness (P < 0·05). Nevertheless, levels and positive rates of these autoantibodies showed no significant differences between PNP with Castleman disease and thymoma. Although anti-AChE levels impacted survival duration (P  =  0·027, odds ratio 3·14), MG complications did not affect the overall survival percentage in PNP.

CONCLUSIONS

MG is a complication of PNP. Anti-AChR and anti-AChE antibodies are prominent in patients with PNP, especially those with dyspnoea.

Follicular dendritic cell sarcoma of the stomach: case report and review of the literature

Follicular dendritic cell sarcoma (fdcs) is a rare entity, often presenting a diagnostic challenge for both the pathologist and the clinician. It accounts for only 0.4% of soft-tissue sarcomas, and its underlying causes are largely unknown. Most of these tumours occur in lymph nodes, and extranodal involvement is uncommon. In the gastrointestinal tract, fdcs is extremely rare. Here, we report a case of primary fdcs originating in the stomach. Upon review of the literature, we identified only 2 additional cases of fdcs presenting as a primary stomach tumour. Given the rarity of this tumour in gastrointestinal sites and the lack of consensus on treatment, evaluation of this entity must continue.

Diagnosis and classification of pemphigus and bullous pemphigoid

Pemphigus and bullous pemphigoid represent the two major groups of autoimmune blistering diseases. Pemphigus has three major variants: pemphigus vulgaris, pemphigus foliaceus and paraneoplastic pemphigus and is characterized by autoantibodies directed against the cell surface of keratinocytes, producing acantholysis that in turn leads to intraepithelial blisters in the skin and/or mucous membranes. In bullous pemphigoid, the autoantibodies are present at the dermo-epidermal junction and attack the hemidesmosomes, causing subepidermal blister formation. The classification of the major variants of both the pemphigus group and bullous pemphigoid can be based on the combination of clinical, histopathological and immunopathological criteria. Many tools are available for the diagnosis of these entities including biopsy, direct and indirect immunofluorescence, immunoprecipitation, immunoblotting and ELISA. However, currently there are no generally accepted criteria for the diagnosis of these disorders. The present review provides a proposal for diagnostic criteria.

Molecular diagnosis in autoimmune skin blistering conditions

Blister formation in skin and mucous membranes results from a loss of cell-cell or cell-matrix adhesion and is a common outcome of pathological events in a variety of conditions, including autoimmune and genetic diseases, viral and bacterial infections, or injury by physical and chemical factors. Autoantibodies against structural components maintaining cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion induce tissue damage in autoimmune blistering diseases. Detection of these autoantibodies either tissue-bound or circulating in serum is essential to diagnose the autoimmune nature of disease. Various immunofluorescence methods as well as molecular immunoassays, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunoblotting, belong to the modern diagnostic algorithms for these disorders. There is still a considerable need to increase awareness of the rare autoimmune blistering diseases, which often show a severe, chronic-relapsing course, among physicians and the public. This review article describes the immunopathological features of autoimmune bullous diseases and the molecular immunoassays currently available for their diagnosis and monitoring.

Dendritic cell sarcoma: a pooled analysis including 462 cases with presentation of our case series

Dendritic cell tumors are extremely rare and current knowledge on these tumors is limited. The characteristics of three dendritic cell sarcoma subtypes and their optimal treatment approaches are not fully clarified. We aimed to make a systematic review of the literature and enrich the current data with five new cases. Pooled analysis of 462 reported cases revealed that the tumor had no age, gender or racial predilection. Our analysis suggests that the young age, advanced stage, intraabdominal involvement and unfavorable histological features (i.e. large tumor size, absence of lymphoplasmacytic infiltration, coagulative necrosis, high mitotic count) may predict poor prognosis. Subtypes of this tumor have different clinical behaviors with interdigitating dendritic cell sarcoma being the most aggressive form. In general, surgery is the most effective treatment modality and adjuvant radiotherapy has no significant effect on overall survival of patients. The role of chemotherapy for the management of advanced disease is controversial.

The etiology of paraneoplastic autoimmunity

Although they may sometimes appear similar, paraneoplastic autoimmunity has a unique pathogenesis, different from the classical autoimmune diseases not associated with cancer. When distinguished clinically, paraneoplastic autoimmunity is more severe and often presents with a broader range of clinical signs and symptoms. Management of these patients is difficult and is usually centered in part on treatment of the underlying malignancy. Self-antigens recognized in the setting of paraneoplastic autoimmunity can be diverse, and the number of determinants recognized within a single antigen can be numerous. This review uses prototypic examples of paraneoplastic immune-mediated diseases and their associated malignancies to describe the mechanisms by which immune dysregulation can occur in the setting of cancer. Specific diseases covered include paraneoplastic pemphigus, Sweet's syndrome, pyoderma gangrenosum, thymoma-associated multiorgan autoimmunity, myasthenia gravis, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, immune thrombocytopenia, and the paraneoplastic neurological syndromes. The malignancies discussed include thymoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, among others. The mechanisms by which cancers induce autoimmunity are broken down into the following categories: disruption of central tolerance, peripheral immune dysregulation, and alteration of self-antigens. For each category, examples of paraneoplastic autoimmune diseases and their associated malignancies are discussed. Finally, mechanisms by which cancer treatment can lead to autoimmunity and examples of polymorphisms that are linked to both cancer and autoimmunity are discussed.

Autoimmune bullous diseases associations

The presence of one autoimmune disorder helps lead to the discovery of other autoimmune conditions. It is thought that diseases in which autoimmunity is a feature tend to be associated together more often than one can ascribe to chance. A variety of diseases have been implicated in the onset of intraepidermal and subepidermal autoimmune diseases. The presence of one autoimmune disease should alert the physician to watch for a second immunologic disorder. A list of autoimmune bullous diseases associations includes autoimmune bullous diseases, pemphigus, pemphigoid, epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, dermatitis herpetiformis (Duhring), linear immunoglobulin A disease, and multiple autoimmune syndrome.

Successful treatment of a paraneoplastic pemphigus in a teenager using plasmapheresis, corticosteroids and tumour resection

Paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP) is a severe autoimmune blistering disease. Bronchiolitis obliterans (BO) is a common complication of PNP, is the major cause of death. PNP is rarely seen before the age of 18 years, and the prognosis is poor because of BO. We report a 16-year-old girl with the typical findings of PNP associated with Castleman's tumour. She was treated with tumour resection in combination with plasmapheresis and corticosteroids. Fifteen months after the operation, the patient had recovered without the development of BO.

The protease inhibitor alpha-2-macroglobulin-like-1 is the p170 antigen recognized by paraneoplastic pemphigus autoantibodies in human

Background

Paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP) is a devastating autoimmune blistering disease, involving mucocutaneous and internal organs, and associated with underlying neoplasms. PNP is characterized by the production of autoantibodies targeting proteins of the plakin and cadherin families involved in maintenance of cell architecture and tissue cohesion. Nevertheless, the identity of an antigen of Mr 170,000 (p170), thought to be critical in PNP pathogenesis, has remained unknown.

Methodology/Principal Findings

Using an immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry based approach, we identified p170 as alpha-2-macroglobuline-like-1, a broad range protease inhibitor expressed in stratified epithelia and other tissues damaged in the PNP disease course. We demonstrate that 10 PNP sera recognize alpha-2-macroglobuline-like-1 (A2ML1), while none of the control sera obtained from patients with bullous pemphigoid, pemphigus vulgaris, pemphigus foliaceus and normal subjects does.

Conclusions/Significance

Our study unravels a broad range protease inhibitor as a new class of target antigens in a paraneoplastic autoimmune multiorgan syndrome and opens a new challenging investigation avenue for a better understanding of PNP pathogenesis.

Clinical and immunopathological spectrum of paraneoplastic pemphigus

BACKGROUND

Paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP) is a rare life-threatening autoimmune bullous disorder. The clinical picture is often polymorphous and blisters may be absent. Autoantibodies are directed against several target antigens, including plakins and desmogleins. PNP has a high mortality rate that does not directly depend on the malignancy of the neoplasm. No generally accepted diagnostic criteria for PNP have been defined.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

On the basis of four selected PNP patients and the relevant literature, the spectrum of clinical and immunopathological findings as well as pathogenesis and treatment options of PNP are presented.

RESULTS

In addition to a neoplasm, severe stomatitis and the presence of autoantibodies against periplakin and envoplakin are characteristic for PNP. Based on the presented data, diagnostic criteria are proposed.

CONCLUSIONS

Knowledge of the polymorphous clinical picture and the complex autoantibody response is essential for an early diagnosis of PNP which has implications for both prognosis and rapid initiation of treatment.

Follicular dendritic cell sarcoma with immature T-cell proliferation

Follicular dendritic cell sarcoma is characterized by proliferation of spindled to ovoid cells reminiscent of follicular dendritic cells. However, the association of follicular dendritic cell sarcoma with a dense infiltration of immature T cells has not hitherto been reported. We report an unusual case of follicular dendritic cell sarcoma of the mesentery with immature T-cell proliferation in a 68-year-old man. The infiltrating immature T cells demonstrated expression of CD3, CD1a, TdT, and coexpression of CD4 and CD8 by immunohistochemistry. In addition, the patient was subsequently diagnosed with myasthenia gravis and paraneoplastic pemphigus and died of distant metastasis within 2 years after initial diagnosis of follicular dendritic cell sarcoma. The aggressive clinical course of this case contrasts with the indolent course of follicular dendritic cell sarcomas, and thus, the prognostic implications of follicular dendritic cell sarcoma with immature T-cell proliferation require clarification. The complication of myasthenia gravis and paraneoplastic pemphigus may suggest that immature T-cell proliferation has an autoimmunity-related systemic influence.

Paraneoplastic autoimmune multiorgan syndrome: Review of the literature and support for a cytotoxic role in pathogenesis

Paraneoplastic autoimmune multiorgan syndrome (PAMS), first described as paraneoplastic pemphigus in 1990, is an autoimmune blistering disease associated with neoplasia. Patients with this rare disorder have severe blistering and painful erosions of the oral cavity and various other cutaneous findings ranging from classic pemphigus vulgaris-like erosions to targetoid lesions resembling erythema multiforme and papular to more confluent lichenoid eruptions. This syndrome involves multiple organ systems, and its high rate of mortality often stems from constrictive bronchiolitis obliterans. The histologic findings are as diverse as the clinical presentation, often making diagnosis difficult initially. Immunodermatologic and serologic laboratory findings typically establish the diagnosis. These results can be confirmed with immunoprecipitation profiling of specific molecular weight protein markers. The proposed pathogenesis of PAMS continues to evolve, and recent reports implicate the involvement of cell-mediated, cytotoxic immunity, in addition to humoral autoantibodies. This review characterizes and summarizes the clinical, pathologic, and immunohistologic features of PAMS and outlines the possible role of cytotoxic T lymphocytes in the pathogenesis of this syndrome.

Immunoglobulin variable region gene analysis to the autoantibody-secreting B cells from tumors in association with paraneoplastic autoimmune multiorgan syndrome

OBJECTIVES

We have studied the role of lymphoproliferative tumors in the pathogenesis of autoimmune and the origin of the autoantibodies in PNP. Objectives of this study is to understand the characteristics of immunoglobulin genes of the B-cells isolated from the tumor which can produce auto-antibody.

METHODS

Total RNA of the tumor cells was then isolated and the mRNA was reversely transcribed into cDNA. V(H) and V(L) genes were amplified and cloned and their sequences were analyzed.

RESULTS

49 V(H) genes (527 to 577 bp) and 36 V(L) genes (445 to 454 bp) sequences were cloned from five tumors. All of the IgV(L) were mostly homologous to IGKV4-01 germ-line gene. The frequency of IgV(H) germ-line gene usage in a decreasing order was IGHV3-23 > IGHV3-9 > IGHV4-31 > IGHV4-59. There was more nucleotide changes occurred in complementary determining regions (CDR) than those in the framework regions (FR) in the V(H) and V(L) of B cell clones. In both V(H) and V(L), the probability (P) that the number of observed replacement mutations (R) in the CDRs would occur by random chance was low.

CONCLUSIONS

The clones of B-lymphocytes in the tumors carrying possibly functional rearranged immunoglobulin heavy and light chain genes were isolated and there were high incidences of somatic mutations in CDRs and relatively conserved sequences in framework region.

Paraneoplastic pemphigus

Paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP) is a life-threatening autoimmune blistering skin disease. Clinically, it is characterized by severe mucosal erosions and various cutaneous lesions associated with lymphoproliferative neoplasmas. Suprabasal acantholysis and clefts with scattered necrotic keratinocytes are the unique histopathological features. PNP patient sera recognize multiple antigens, which have been identified as the plakin protein family that includes desmoplakin, bullous pemphigoid antigen I (BPAG1), envoplakin and periplakin, and desmogleins 1 and 3. Castleman's tumor, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, thymoma, follicular dendritic cell sarcoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia are the commonly associated neoplasmas in PNP. We have also demonstrated that the autoantibodies reacting to epidermal proteins are directly produced by the cells in the associated tumors. Bronchiolitis obliterans is frequently found in PNP and may cause respiratory failure and death. In our experience, the early detection and removal of the tumor and i.v. administration of immunoglobulin are critical for the treatment of PNP.

Dendritic cell sarcoma: an analytic overview of the literature and presentation of original five cases

Interdigitating and follicular dendritic cell sarcoma (DCS) are very rare diseases, with approximately 184 cases being reported thus far, and their best treatment modality is still on debate. This is a review of all the cases of dendritic cell sarcoma reported from 1981 until April 2006. This review is enriched with the original contribution of five cases occurred at our Institution from 1994 to 2006. The review of the literature pointed out that radical surgery alone was curative in approximately two thirds of these cases, the relapsing rate in patients who received adjuvant treatments being higher than 30%. We pinpoint new five cases of dendritic cell sarcoma (three FDCS and two IDCS). Both the analytic revision of the literature and our data suggest that localized DCS may be effectively treated by radical surgery and do not support the use of adjuvant treatments after radical excision.

Paraneoplastic pemphigus

A paraneoplasticus pemphigus malignus vagy benignus tumorokhoz társuló autoimmun hólyagos megbetegedés diagnosztikus és immunológiai kritériumait 1990-ben fektette le Anhalt . Klinikailag súlyos, fájdalmas, mélyre terjedő bőr- és nyálkahártyatünetek jellemzik. A bőrtünetek polimorf jellegűek, általában dominál a hólyagképződés. Egyes esetekben, az ún. „graft-versus-host-disease” formákban előfordul, hogy kizárólag papulosus, lichenoid bőrtünetek észlelhetők, hólyagképződés nincs, vagy csak később jelenik meg. Elsősorban ezen alcsoport betegeiben a bőr- és nyálkahártyatünetek mellett súlyos dyspnoét okozó pulmonalis érintettség is kialakul, melynek hátterében bronchiolitis obliterans áll. A paraneoplasticus pemphigus diagnosztikájában alapvető fontosságú a bőr/nyálkahártyák direkt immunfluoreszcens, továbbá a szérum indirekt immunhisztológiai és immunoblot vizsgálata. Az eddig azonosított autoantigének döntő többsége a plakincsalád tagja: envoplakin (210 kDa), periplakin (190 kDa), plectin (~500 kDa), desmoplakin I (250 kDa), desmoplakin II (210 kDa), bullosus pemphigoid antigén 1 (230 kDa). A plakinok mellett a desmosomalis cadherinek közé sorolt desmoglein 1 és 3 a bullosus pemphigoid antigén 2 (180 kDa), a desmocollin 2 és 3, továbbá egy még nem azonosított, 170 kDa molekulatömegű transzmembrán fehérje szintén autoantigénje a kórképnek. A paraneoplasticus pemphigus nagy mortalitású kórkép, az esetek több mint 90%-ában halálos kimenetelű. A háttérben álló tumor eltávolítása mellett a bázisterápia továbbra is a nagy dózisú szisztémás szteroidkezelés, melyet citosztatikumok, immunmodulánsok adásával egészítenek ki. Szóba jön ezenkívül plasmapheresis, plazmacsere, photopheresis, nagy dózisú intravénás immunglobulin és anti-CD20 monoklonális antitest (rituximab) adása is.

Immunopathology and molecular diagnosis of autoimmune bullous diseases

Autoimmune bullous diseases are associated with autoimmunity against structural components maintaining cell-cell and cell matrix adhesion in the skin and mucous membranes. Pemphigus diseases are characterized by autoantibodies against the intercellular junctions and intraepithelial blisters. In pemphigoid diseases and epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, sub-epidermal blistering is associated with autoantibodies targeting proteins of the hemidesmosomal anchoring complex. The autoantigens in autoimmune blistering diseases have been extensively characterized over the past three decades. In general, the pathogenicity of autoantibodies, already suggested by clinical observations, has been conclusively demonstrated experimentally. Detection of tissue-bound and circulating serum autoantibodies and characterization of their molecular specificity is mandatory for the diagnosis of autoimmune blistering diseases. For this purpose, various immunofluorescence methods as well as immunoassays, including immunoblotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunoprecipitation have been developed. This review article describes the immunopathological features of autoimmune bullous diseases and the immunological and molecular tests used for their diagnosis and monitoring.

Epitopes in the linker subdomain region of envoplakin recognized by autoantibodies in paraneoplastic pemphigus patients

Sera from paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP) immunoprecipitate multiple antigens from human epidermal protein extract. In this study, we further characterized the autoantibodies in 12 PNP sera. Immunoblotting using recombinant linker subdomains of envoplakin, periplakin, desmoplakin, and bullous pemphigoid antigen I found that 11 of the 12 sera recognized linker subdomains of envoplakin and periplakin. We then synthesized 12 peptides covering the linker subdomain of envoplakin for ELISA. One of the peptides, peptide no. 8, was recognized by nine out of the 12 sera with a higher affinity. A method of ligand-receptor binding assay was designed and performed using this peptide labeled with fluorescence as the ligand. Peptide no. 8 bound to CD20+ cells in Castleman's tumors from the patients whose sera were positive to this peptide by ELISA. Our data suggest that the linker subdomain of plakin proteins may be one of the major areas recognized by PNP autoantibodies, and epitopes in the linker subdomain of envoplakin recognized by PNP autoantibodies with a high affinity are dispersed in several areas and are variable among PNP patients. We also demonstrate that B-lymphocyte clones specifically reacting to epidermal proteins exist in Castleman's tumors from PNP.

Follicular dendritic cell tumor of the gastrointestinal tract: Report of a rare neoplasm and literature review

Follicular dendritic cell (FDC) tumor is a rare neoplasm of the accessory immune system showing FDC differentiation. Histologically, a conventional type and an inflammatory pseudotumor (IPT-like) type are recognized. The etiology of FDC tumor is unknown. While rare FDC tumors were associated with hyaline-vascular Castleman's disease (HVCD), hepatosplenic IPT-like FDC tumors consistently harbor EBV infection. FDC tumors of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and mesentery/omentum are exceedingly rare, with only 17 cases reported so far. We report an additional case of an IPT-like FDC tumor of the ileum and mesentery in a 52-year-old schizophrenic man. The tumor consisted of highly atypical multinucleated giant cells in a background of intense lymphoid infiltrate with prominent eosinophilia reminiscent of Hodgkin's lymphoma. Tumor cells were immunoreactive for vimentin, CD21, CD35, fascin, smooth muscle actin and CD68, but were negative for all lineage-specific lymphoreticular, myeloid, mesenchymal and epithelial markers. Immunostaining for HHV-8 and in situ hybridization for EBV-encoded RNA (EBER) were negative. Some mesenteric lymph nodes showed HVCD-like changes. The differential diagnostic considerations of this unusual and rare neoplasm, mainly lymphocyte-rich GI stromal tumor (GIST), malignant lymphoma and inflammatory neoplasia of diverse histogenetic types, will be discussed together with a literature review on gastrointestinal FDC tumors.