Multiple distinct T-cell clones in folliculotropic mycosis fungoides

Am J Dermatopathol. 2014 Dec;36(12):972-6. doi: 10.1097/DAD.0000000000000095.

Abstract

Multiple distinct T-cell clones have been demonstrated in a subset of mycosis fungoides (MF), but have so far not been documented in folliculotropic MF, a clinical and histological variant of MF. We analyzed T-cell receptor (TCR) gene rearrangements in 8 patients with folliculotropic MF with multiple biopsies (range, 2-5) taken during the course of disease. Two patients had disease stage IA-IIA, 5 stage IIB-IVA, whereas data were not available for 1 patient. TCR β and γ gene rearrangements were analyzed according to the BIOMED-2 PCR protocol. Multiple clonal TCR gene rearrangements indicating more than 1 T-cell clone were found in 5 patients. Although the number of patients is small, the finding of multiple distinct T-cell clones in 5 out of 8 patients suggests that chronic T-cell stimulation contributes to the development of folliculotropic MF.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Clone Cells
  • Female
  • Gene Rearrangement, beta-Chain T-Cell Antigen Receptor*
  • Gene Rearrangement, gamma-Chain T-Cell Antigen Receptor*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mycosis Fungoides / genetics*
  • Mycosis Fungoides / immunology
  • Mycosis Fungoides / pathology*