Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

Louis M Staudt

Publications and source records attributed to Louis M Staudt.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma subgroups have distinct genetic profiles that influence tumor biology and improve gene-expression-based survival prediction.

Gene-expression profiling has identified 3 major subgroups of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL): germinal center B-cell-like (GCB), activated B-cell-like (ABC), and primary mediastinal DLBCL (PMBCL). Using comparative genomic hybridization (CGH), we investigated the genetic alterations of 224 cases of untreated DLBCL (87 GCB-DLBCL, 77 ABC-DLBCL, 19 PMBCL, and 41 unclassified DLBCL) previously characterized by gene-expression profiling. The DLBCL subgroups differed significantly in the frequency of particular chromosomal aberrations. ABC-DLBCL had frequent trisomy 3, gains of 3q and 18q21-q22, and losses of 6q21-q22, whereas GCB-DLBCL had frequent gains of 12q12, and PMBCL had gains of 9p21-pter and 2p14-p16. Parallel analysis of CGH alterations, locus-specific gene-expression profiles, and global gene-expression signatures revealed that DNA amplifications and gains had a substantial impact on the expression of genes in the involved chromosomal regions, and some genes were overexpressed in a DLBCL subgroup-specific fashion. Unexpectedly, specific chromosomal alterations were associated with significant changes in gene-expression signatures that reflect various aspects of lymphoma cell biology as well as the host response to the lymphoma. In addition, gains involving the chromosomal region 3p11-p12 provided prognostic information that was statistically independent of the previously defined gene-expression-based survival model, thereby improving its predictive power.

Chromosomes, Human↗

Small molecule inhibitors of IkappaB kinase are selectively toxic for subgroups of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma defined by gene expression profiling.

Constitutive activation of the NF-kappaB pathway is required for survival of the activated B cell-like (ABC) subgroup of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Here we show that a small molecule IkappaB kinase (IKK) inhibitor, PS-1145, and related compounds are toxic for ABC DLBCL cell lines but not for cell lines derived from the other prevalent form of DLBCL, germinal center B cell-like DLBCL. Treatment of ABC lines with these inhibitors rapidly induced a series of gene expression changes that were attributable to cessation of constitutive IKK activity, similar to changes induced by acute expression of genetic inhibitors of NF-kappaB, confirming the effectiveness and specificity of this compound. Before cell death, inhibition of IKK also induced features of apoptosis and an arrest in the G1 phase of the cell cycle. To test further the specificity of this toxicity, an inducible form of NF-kappaB was created by fusing the p65 NF-kappaB subunit with the ligand-binding domain of the estrogen receptor (p65-ERD). In the presence of tamoxifen, p65-ERD reversed the toxicity of IKK inhibition and restored expression of many NF-kappaB target genes. Another subgroup of DLBCL, primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma (PMBL), also expresses NF-kappaB target genes, and treatment of a PMBL cell line with an IKK inhibitor was toxic and induced gene expression changes of a distinct group of NF-kappaB target genes. These studies validate the NF-kappaB pathway as a promising therapeutic target in ABC DLBCL, PMBL, and other lymphomas that depend on the activity of NF-kappaB for survival and proliferation.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

The biology of human lymphoid malignancies revealed by gene expression profiling.

Gene expression profiling provides a quantitative molecular framework for the study of human lymphomas. This genomic technology has revealed that existing diagnostic categories are comprised of multiple molecularly and clinically distinct diseases. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), for example, consists of three gene expression subgroups, termed germinal center B-cell-like (GCB) DLBCL, activated B-cell-like (ABC) DLBCL, and primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma (PMBL). These DLBCL subgroups arise from different stages of normal B-cell differentiation, utilize distinct oncogenic mechanisms, and differ in their ability to be cured by chemotherapy. Key regulatory factors and their target genes are differentially expressed among these subgroups, including BCL-6, Blimp-1, and XBP1. ABC DLBCL and PMBL depend upon constitutive activation of the NF-kappaB pathway for their survival but GCB DLBCL does not, demonstrating that this pathway is a potential therapeutic target for certain DLBCL subgroups. In DLBCL, mantle cell lymphoma, and follicular lymphoma, gene expression profiling has also been used to create gene expression-based models of survival, which have identified the biological characteristics of the tumors that influence their clinical behavior. In mantle cell lymphoma, the length of survival following diagnosis is primarily influenced by the tumor proliferation rate, which can be quantitatively measured by a proliferation gene expression "signature." Based on this accurate measure, the proliferation rate can now be viewed as an integration of several oncogenic lesions that each increase progression from the G1 to the S phase of the cell cycle. In DLBCL and follicular lymphoma, gene expression profiling has revealed that the molecular characteristics of non-malignant tumor-infiltrating immune cells have a major influence on the length of survival. The implications of these insights for the diagnosis and treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphomas are discussed.

B-Lymphocytes↗

MALT1 and the API2-MALT1 fusion act between CD40 and IKK and confer NF-kappa B-dependent proliferative advantage and resistance against FAS-induced cell death in B cells.

The most frequently recurring translocations in mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, t(11;18)(q21;q21) and t(14;18)(q32; q21), lead to formation of an API2-MALT1 fusion or IgH-mediated MALT1 overexpression. Various approaches have implicated these proteins in nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappa B) signaling, but this has not been shown experimentally in human B cells. Immunohistochemistry showed that MALT1 is predominantly expressed in normal and malignant germinal center B cells, corresponding to the differentiation stage of MALT lymphoma. We expressed MALT1 and apoptosis inhibitor-2 API2/MALT1 in human B-cell lymphoma BJAB cells and found both transgenes in membrane lipid rafts along with endogenous MALT1 and 2 binding partners involved in NF-kappa B signaling, B-cell lymphoma 10 (BCL10) and CARMA1 (caspase recruitment domain [CARD]-containing membrane-associated guanylate kinase [MAGUK] 1). API2-MALT1 and exogenous MALT1 increased constitutive NF-kappa B activity and enhanced I kappa B kinase (IKK) activation induced by CD40 stimulation. Both transgenes protected BJAB cells from FAS (CD95)-induced death, consistent with increases in NF-kappa B cytoprotective target gene expression, and increased their proliferation rate. Expression of a dominant-negative I kappa B alpha mutant showed that these survival and proliferative advantages are dependent on elevated constitutive NF-kappa B activity. Our findings support a model in which NF-kappa B signaling, once activated in a CD40-dependent immune response, is maintained and enhanced through deregulation of MALT1 or formation of an API2-MALT1 fusion.

Apoptosis↗

Prediction of survival in follicular lymphoma based on molecular features of tumor-infiltrating immune cells.

BACKGROUND: Patients with follicular lymphoma may survive for periods of less than 1 year to more than 20 years after diagnosis. We used gene-expression profiles of tumor-biopsy specimens obtained at diagnosis to develop a molecular predictor of the length of survival. METHODS: Gene-expression profiling was performed on 191 biopsy specimens obtained from patients with untreated follicular lymphoma. Supervised methods were used to discover expression patterns associated with the length of survival in a training set of 95 specimens. A molecular predictor of survival was constructed from these genes and validated in an independent test set of 96 specimens. RESULTS: Individual genes that predicted the length of survival were grouped into gene-expression signatures on the basis of their expression in the training set, and two such signatures were used to construct a survival predictor. The two signatures allowed patients with specimens in the test set to be divided into four quartiles with widely disparate median lengths of survival (13.6, 11.1, 10.8, and 3.9 years), independently of clinical prognostic variables. Flow cytometry showed that these signatures reflected gene expression by nonmalignant tumor-infiltrating immune cells. CONCLUSIONS: The length of survival among patients with follicular lymphoma correlates with the molecular features of nonmalignant immune cells present in the tumor at diagnosis.

Adult↗

Distinct gene expression profiles in different B-cell compartments in human peripheral lymphoid organs.

BACKGROUND: There are three major B-cell compartments in peripheral lymphoid organs: the germinal center (GC), the mantle zone (MNZ) and the marginal zone (MGZ). Unique sets of B-cells reside in these compartments, and they have specific functional roles in humoral immune response. MNZ B cells are naive cells in a quiescent state and may participate in GC reactions upon proper stimulation. The adult splenic MGZ contains mostly memory B cells and is also known to provide a rapid response to particulate antigens. The GC B-cells proliferate rapidly and undergo selection and affinity maturation. The B-cell maturational process is accompanied by changes in the expression of cell-surface and intracellular proteins and requires signals from the specialized microenvironments. RESULTS: We performed laser microdissection of the three compartments for gene expression profiling by cDNA microarray. The transcriptional program of the GC was dominated by upregulation of genes associated with proliferation and DNA repair or recombination. The MNZ and MGZ showed increased expression of genes promoting cellular quiescence. The three compartments also revealed distinct repertoires of apoptosis-associated genes, chemokines and chemokine receptors. The MNZ and GC showed upregulation of CCL20 and CCL18 respectively. The MGZ was characterized by high expression of many chemokines genes e.g. CXCL12, CCL3, CCL14 and IFN-associated genes, consistent with its role in rapid response to infections. A stromal signature was identified including genes associated with macrophages or with synthesis of extracellular matrix and genes that influenced lymphocyte migration and survival. Differentially expressed genes that did not belong to the above categories include the well characterized BCL6 and CD10 and many others whose function is not known. CONCLUSIONS: Transcriptional profiling of B-cell compartments has identified groups of genes involved in critical molecular and cellular events that affect proliferation, survival migration, and differentiation of the cells. The gene expression study of normal B-cell compartments may additionally contribute to our understanding of the molecular abnormalities of the corresponding lymphoid tumors.

Apoptosis↗

Direct repression of prdm1 by Bcl-6 inhibits plasmacytic differentiation.

We have identified two intronic regions of mouse prdm1, the gene encoding B lymphocyte-induced maturation protein-1 (Blimp-1), which confer transcriptional repression in response to Bcl-6. The Bcl-6 response element in intron 5, which is conserved between mice and humans, was studied in detail. It binds Bcl-6 in vitro and was shown by chromatin immunoprecipitation to be occupied by Bcl-6 in vivo. Neither Bcl-6 response element functions as a STAT3-response element, showing that STAT3 does not compete with Bcl-6 at these sites. Bcl-6(-/-) mice confirm the biological importance of Bcl-6-dependent repression of prdm1. These mice have elevated Ab response, increased Ig-secreting cells, and increased Blimp-1(+) cells in spleen following immunization and their splenic B cells show accelerated plasmacytic development in vitro.

Animals↗

Comprehensive whole genome array CGH profiling of mantle cell lymphoma model genomes.

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is an aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with median patient survival times of approximately 3 years. Although the characteristic t(11;14)(q13;q32) is found in virtually all cases, experimental evidence suggests that this event alone is insufficient to result in lymphoma and secondary genomic alterations are required. Using a newly developed DNA microarray of 32 433 overlapping genomic segments spanning the entire human genome, we can for the first time move beyond marker based analysis and comprehensively search for secondary genomic alterations concomitant with the t(11;14) in eight commonly used cell models of MCL (Granta-519, HBL-2, NCEB-1, Rec-1, SP49, UPN-1, Z138C and JVM-2). Examining these genomes at tiling resolution identified an unexpected average of 35 genetic alterations per cell line, with equal numbers of amplifications and deletions. Recurrent high-level amplifications were identified at 18q21 containing BCL2, and at 13q31 containing GPC5. In addition, a recurrent homozygous deletion was identified at 9p21 containing p15 and p16. Alignment of these profiles revealed 14 recurrent losses and 21 recurrent gains as small as 130 kb. Remarkably, even the intra immunoglobulin gene deletions at 2p11 and 22q11 were detected, demonstrating the power of combining the detection sensitivity of array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) with the resolution of an overlapping whole genome tiling-set. These alterations not only coincided with previously described aberrations in MCL, but also defined 13 novel regions. Further characterization of such minimally altered genomic regions identified using whole genome array CGH will define novel dominant oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes that play important roles in the pathogenesis of MCL.

Chromosomes↗

Human blood IgM "memory" B cells are circulating splenic marginal zone B cells harboring a prediversified immunoglobulin repertoire.

The human peripheral B-cell compartment displays a large population of immunoglobulin M-positive, immunoglobulin D-positive CD27(+) (IgM(+)IgD(+)CD27(+)) "memory" B cells carrying a mutated immunoglobulin receptor. By means of phenotypic analysis, complementarity-determining region 3 (CDR3) spectratyping during a T-independent response, and gene-expression profiling of the different blood and splenic B-cell subsets, we show here that blood IgM(+)IgD(+)CD27(+) cells correspond to circulating splenic marginal zone B cells. Furthermore, analysis of this peripheral subset in healthy children younger than 2 years shows that these B cells develop and mutate their immunoglobulin receptor during ontogeny, prior to their differentiation into T-independent antigen-responsive cells. It is therefore proposed that these IgM(+)IgD(+)CD27(+) B cells provide the splenic marginal zone with a diversified and protective preimmune repertoire in charge of the responses against encapsulated bacteria.

Adolescent↗

Fludarabine treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia induces a p53-dependent gene expression response.

Fludarabine, the current standard treatment for B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), can induce apoptosis in CLL cells in vitro, and a number of molecular mechanisms contribute to its cytotoxicity. Using gene expression profiling, we investigated the molecular consequences of fludarabine treatment of patients with CLL in vivo. In 7 patients with CLL, a consistent gene expression signature of in vivo fludarabine exposure was identified. Many of the fludarabine signature genes were known p53 target genes and genes involved in DNA repair. In vitro treatment of CLL cells with fludarabine induced the same set of genes as observed in vivo, and many of these genes were also induced by in vitro exposure of CLL cells to ionizing radiation. Using isogenic p53 wild-type and null lymphoblastoid cell lines, we confirmed that many of the fludarabine signature genes were also p53 target genes. Because in vivo treatment with fludarabine induces a p53-dependent gene expression response, fludarabine treatment has the potential to select p53-mutant CLL cells, which are more drug resistant and associated with an aggressive clinical course. These considerations suggest that fludarabine treatment should be given in strict accordance to the current National Cancer Institute (NCI) guidelines that have established criteria of disease activity that warrant treatment.

Adult↗

Loss of MHC class II gene and protein expression in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is related to decreased tumor immunosurveillance and poor patient survival regardless of other prognostic factors: a follow-up study from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Molecular Profiling Project.

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Molecular Profiling Project recently published results from DNA microarray analyses of 240 diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCLs). Four gene expression "signatures" were identified as correlated with patient outcome, including the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II genes (eg, HLA-DRA) which correlated with better survival. We further analyzed the effects of HLA-DRA on survival and correlated gene expression with protein status and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. The 5-year overall survival was 24% in the lowest 10% of HLA-DRA expression, 37% in the 10% to 25% group, 50% in the 25% to 50% group, and 55% for patients in the highest 50%. Further analysis demonstrated that the hazard ratio of death was a nonlinear function of HLA-DRA expression. Adjustment for the International Prognostic Index did not alter the impact of HLA-DRA on survival. Other MHC class II genes were found to predict survival similarly. Microarray HLA-DRA expression correlated with the presence or absence of human leukocyte antigen-DR (HLA-DR) protein in 20 of 22 cases assessed. Fewer tumor-infiltrating CD8(+) T cells were detected in MHC class II-negative cases compared with positive cases (2.8% versus 11.0%; P =.001), supporting the hypothesis that loss of tumor immunosurveillance has a devastating effect on patient outcome in DLBCL.

Follow-Up Studies↗

ZAP-70 expression and prognosis in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.

BACKGROUND: Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is a heterogeneous disease; many patients never need treatment, whereas some have poor outcomes. New treatments, which can induce complete remissions, allow patients with poor outlook to be treated while they are still asymptomatic. Whether or not the IgVH gene is mutated is the best predictor of clinical outcome, but this assay is unsuited to the routine laboratory. The gene coding for ZAP-70, a tyrosine kinase protein normally expressed in T and NK cells, has been shown by gene-expression profiling to be differentially expressed between patients with mutated and unmutated IgVH genes. We assessed whether ZAP-70 could be used as a prognostic marker in CLL. METHODS: We developed a flow cytometry assay for ZAP-70 protein expression and investigated its concordance with ZAP-70 mRNA expression, IgVH gene mutational status, and clinical outcome in 167 patients with CLL. FINDINGS: We showed high concordance between ZAP-70 protein expression and IgVH gene mutations. 108 patients (65%) had mutated IgVH genes and were ZAP-70 negative; 46 (28%) had unmutated IgVH genes and were ZAP-70 positive. Findings were discordant in 13 patients: six (4%) had mutated IgVH genes but were ZAP-70 positive, and seven (4%) had unmutated IgVH genes and were ZAP-70 negative. Expression of mRNA showed 97% concordance with ZAP-70 protein. Median survival was 24.4 years (95% CI 15.1-33.8) in ZAP-70 negative patients and 9.3 years (7.0-11.5) in those who were ZAP-70 positive (hazard ratio 5.5, 2.8-.8). INTERPRETATION: ZAP-70 protein, which can be measured by flow cytometry in the general laboratory, is a reliable prognostic marker in CLL, equivalent to that of IgVH gene mutational status.

Aged↗

XBP1, downstream of Blimp-1, expands the secretory apparatus and other organelles, and increases protein synthesis in plasma cell differentiation.

The differentiation of B cells into immunoglobulin-secreting plasma cells is controlled by two transcription factors, Blimp-1 and XBP1. By gene expression profiling, we defined a set of genes whose induction during mouse plasmacytic differentiation is dependent on Blimp-1 and/or XBP1. Blimp-1-deficient B cells failed to upregulate most plasma cell-specific genes, including xbp1. Differentiating xbp1-deficient B cells induced Blimp-1 normally but failed to upregulate genes encoding many secretory pathway components. Conversely, ectopic expression of XBP1 induced a wide spectrum of secretory pathway genes and physically expanded the endoplasmic reticulum. In addition, XBP1 increased cell size, lysosome content, mitochondrial mass and function, ribosome numbers, and total protein synthesis. Thus, XBP1 coordinates diverse changes in cellular structure and function resulting in the characteristic phenotype of professional secretory cells.

Animals↗

BCL2 translocation defines a unique tumor subset within the germinal center B-cell-like diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

Gene expression profiling of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) has revealed prognostically important subgroups: germinal center B-cell-like (GCB) DLBCL, activated B cell-like (ABC) DLBCL, and primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma. The t(14;18)(q32;q21) has been reported previously to define a unique subset within the GCB-DLBCL. We evaluated for the translocation in 141 cases of DLBCL that were successfully gene expression profiled. Using a dual-probe fluorescence in situ hybridization assay, we detected the t(14;18) in 17% of DLBCLs and in 34% of the GCB subgroup which contained the vast majority of positive cases. In addition, 12 t(14;18)-positive cases detected by polymerase chain reaction assays on additional samples were added to the fluorescence in situ hybridization-positive cases for subsequent analysis. Immunohistochemical data indicated that BCL2, BCL6, and CD10 protein were preferentially expressed in the t(14;18)-positive cases as compared to t(14;18)-negative cases. Within the GCB subgroup, the expression of BCL2 and CD10, but not BCL6, differed significantly between cases with or without the t(14;18): 88% versus 24% for BCL2 and 72% versus 32% for CD10, respectively. In the GCB-DLBCL subgroup, a heterogeneous group of genes is overexpressed in the t(14;18)-positive subset, among which BCL2 is a significant discriminator. Interestingly, the t(14;18)-negative subset is dominated by overexpression of cell cycle-associated genes, indicating that these tumors are significantly more proliferative, suggesting distinctive pathogenetic mechanisms. However, despite this higher proliferative activity, there was no significant difference in overall or failure-free survival between the t(14;18)-positive and -negative subsets within the GCB subgroup.

Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins↗

Overexpression of c-maf is a frequent oncogenic event in multiple myeloma that promotes proliferation and pathological interactions with bone marrow stroma.

The oncogene c-maf is translocated in approximately 5%-10% of multiple myelomas. Unexpectedly, we observed c-maf expression in myeloma cell lines lacking c-maf translocations and in 50% of multiple myeloma bone marrow samples. By gene expression profiling, we identified three c-maf target genes: cyclin D2, integrin beta7, and CCR1. c-maf transactivated the cyclin D2 promoter and enhanced myeloma proliferation, whereas dominant inhibition of c-maf blocked tumor formation in immunodeficient mice. c-maf-driven expression of integrin beta7 enhanced myeloma adhesion to bone marrow stroma and increased production of VEGF. We propose that c-maf transforms plasma cells by stimulating cell cycle progression and by altering bone marrow stromal interactions. The frequent overexpression of c-maf in myeloma makes it an attractive target for therapeutic intervention.

Animals↗

Active NF-kappaB signalling is a prerequisite for influenza virus infection.

Influenza virus still poses a major threat to human health. Despite widespread vaccination programmes and the development of drugs targeting essential viral proteins, the extremely high mutation rate of influenza virus still leads to the emergence of new pathogenic virus strains. Therefore, it has been suggested that cellular cofactors that are essential for influenza virus infection might be better targets for antiviral therapy. It has previously been reported that influenza virus efficiently infects Epstein-Barr virus-immortalized B cells, whereas Burkitt's lymphoma cells are virtually resistant to infection. Using this cellular system, it has been shown here that an active NF-kappaB signalling pathway is a general prerequisite for influenza virus infection of human cells. Cells with low NF-kappaB activity were resistant to influenza virus infection, but became susceptible upon activation of NF-kappaB. In addition, blocking of NF-kappaB activation severely impaired influenza virus infection of otherwise highly susceptible cells, including the human lung carcinoma cell lines A549 and U1752 and primary human cells. On the other hand, infection with vaccinia virus was not dependent on an active NF-kappaB signalling pathway, demonstrating the specificity of this pathway for influenza virus infection. These results might be of major importance for both the development of new antiviral therapies and the understanding of influenza virus biology.

B-Lymphocytes↗

Role of NF-kappa B in cell survival and transcription of latent membrane protein 1-expressing or Epstein-Barr virus latency III-infected cells.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) latency III infection converts B lymphocytes into lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) by expressing EBV nuclear and membrane proteins, EBNAs, and latent membrane proteins (LMPs), which regulate transcription through Notch and tumor necrosis factor receptor pathways. The role of NF-kappa B in LMP1 and overall EBV latency III transcriptional effects was investigated by treating LCLs with BAY11-7082 (BAY11). BAY11 rapidly and irreversibly inhibited NF-kappa B, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, induced apoptosis, and altered LCL gene expression. BAY11 effects were similar to those of an NF-kappa B inhibitor, Delta N-I kappa B alpha, in effecting decreased JNK1 expression and in microarray analyses. More than 80% of array elements that decreased with Delta N-I kappa B alpha expression decreased with BAY11 treatment. Newly identified NF-kappa B-induced, LMP1-induced, and EBV-induced genes included pleckstrin, Jun-B, c-FLIP, CIP4, and I kappa B epsilon. Of 776 significantly changed array elements, 134 were fourfold upregulated in EBV latency III, and 74 were fourfold upregulated with LMP1 expression alone, whereas only 28 were more than fourfold downregulated by EBV latency III. EBV latency III-regulated gene products mediate cell migration (EBI2, CCR7, RGS1, RANTES, MIP1 alpha, MIP1 beta, CXCR5, and RGS13), antigen presentation (major histocompatibility complex proteins and JAW1), mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway (DUSP5 and p62Dok), and interferon (IFN) signaling (IFN-gamma R alpha, IRF-4, and STAT1). Comparison of EBV latency III LCL gene expression to immunoglobulin M (IgM)-stimulated B cells, germinal-center B cells, and germinal-center-derived lymphomas clustered LCLs with IgM-stimulated B cells separately from germinal-center cells or germinal-center lymphoma cells. Expression of IRF-2, AIM1, ASK1, SNF2L2, and components of IFN signaling pathways further distinguished EBV latency III-infected B cells from IgM-stimulated or germinal-center B cells.

Apoptosis↗