The expression of the novel cytotoxic protein granzyme M by large granular lymphocytic leukaemias of both T-cell and NK-cell lineage: an unexpected finding with implications regarding the pathobiology of these disorders

Br J Haematol. 2007 May;137(3):237-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2007.06564.x.

Abstract

Granzyme M (GrM) is a novel cytotoxic protein normally exclusively expressed by natural killer (NK)-cells and cytotoxic T-cells with innate immune function. As most T-cell granular lymphocytic leukaemias (T-LGL) are thought to be derived from the adaptive immune system it was predicted that T-LGL would be GrM negative. Contrary to this hypothesis, bone marrow biopsy immunohistochemistry revealed that GrM was frequently expressed in both T-LGL (16 / 18) and NK-LGL (6 / 9). These unexpected results suggest commonality between T- and NK-LGL, providing further support to the notion that T-LGL is a disorder of dysregulated, chronically stimulated, adaptive cytotoxic T-cells.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cell Lineage
  • Granzymes / analysis*
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry / methods
  • Killer Cells, Natural / immunology*
  • Leukemia, Lymphoid / enzymology*
  • Leukemia, Lymphoid / immunology
  • Leukemia, T-Cell / enzymology
  • Leukemia, T-Cell / immunology
  • Middle Aged
  • Poly(A)-Binding Proteins / analysis
  • T-Cell Intracellular Antigen-1
  • T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / immunology*

Substances

  • Poly(A)-Binding Proteins
  • T-Cell Intracellular Antigen-1
  • TIA1 protein, human
  • GZMM protein, human
  • Granzymes