Expression pattern of FCRL (FREB, FcRX) in normal and neoplastic human B cells

Br J Haematol. 2004 Nov;127(3):335-43. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2004.05193.x.

Abstract

FCRL (also known as FREB and FcRX) is a recently described member of the family of Fc receptors for immunoglobulin G (IgG). In the present study we analysed its expression in normal and neoplastic lymphoid tissue using immunohistochemical techniques. FCRL was preferentially expressed in a proportion of germinal centre cells and, more weakly, in mantle zone B cells. In addition, strong labelling was observed in marginal zone B cells in the spleen, representing one of the few markers for this cell type. The majority of cases of small B-cell lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and lymphocyte predominance Hodgkin's disease were positive for FCRL. However, the number of positive cells varied widely, and in consequence we could not define a cut-off that distinguished subsets of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Our results also showed that FCRL tended to be negative in T-cell-rich B-cell lymphoma and in classical Hodgkin's disease. FCRL may therefore represent a novel marker for normal B cells (e.g. splenic marginal zone cells) and may also be useful as a potential marker of B-cell neoplasms.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • B-Lymphocytes / chemistry*
  • Biomarkers / analysis
  • Hodgkin Disease / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry / methods
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell / chemistry*
  • Receptors, Fc / analysis*

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • FCRLA protein, human
  • Receptors, Fc