Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)-the most common form of leukemia in adults-arises from a special type of white blood cells, B lymphocytes, which normally produce antibodies to combat bacteria and viruses that we are exposed to. It is not known today what events lead to this disease.
A research team headed by Anders Rosén, professor of cell biology at Linköping University, has now established for the first time that CLL produce antibodies are highly specialized to recognize certain structures on the surface of bacteria and self-proteins of the human body (e.g. autoantigens).
The findings are being published on Monday in the respected hematological journal Blood. The key point is that the CLL antibodies also bind to damaged and dying (apoptotic) cells, which indicates that the B lymphocytes that give rise to CLL may be frontline defense cells. These are thought to have the extremely important task of using their antibodies to rapidly bind to and recognize the slightest breach in damaged mucous lining or skin, created by bacteria or other microorganisms.
But in long-term infections, these B lymphocytes can start to multiply excessively and rapidly. This increases the risk of chromosome damage, which in turn make them vulnerable for leukemia transformation. The study now being published contributes to our understanding of how these B lymphocytes function and why they can be transformed into tumors.
CLL afflicts 400-500 people in Sweden each year, primarily among those aged 65-70 and more often among men than women. The disease has a highly varied course, with many patients living for decades with hardly any treatment, while others die within a few years despite treatment.
The research team behind the study also includes the doctoral students Eva Hellqvist and Anna Lanemo-Myrhinder, Linköping University, and Sohvi Hörkkö, Oulu, Finland, and Richard Rosenquist, Uppsala, Sweden.
The article, “A new perspective: molecular motifs on oxidized-LDL, apoptotic cells, and bacteria are targets for chronic lymphocytic leukemia antibodies” is being published in Blood’s First Edition Papers.
Contact: Anders Rosén, phone: +46 (0)13-222794; cell phone: +46 (0)707-303460, anders.rosen@ibk.liu.se
2 November, 2023 - Linköpings universitet
Emotions tend to get the upper hand in healthcare decisions. This is shown in a study at Linköping University, Sweden, where participants were faced with tough choices between different treatments. The results may explain why effective use of healthcare resources is so slow in the making, according to the researchers.
13 October, 2023 - Linköpings universitet
Thymus, a small and relatively unknown organ, may play a bigger role in the immune system of adults than was previously believed. With age, the glandular tissue in the thymus is replaced by fat, but, according to a new study from Linköping University (LiU) in Sweden, the rate at which this happens is linked to sex, age and lifestyle factors. These findings also indicate that the appearance of the thymus reflects the ageing of the immune system.
12 October, 2023 - Linköpings universitet
Artificial intelligence, AI, which finds patterns in complex biological data could eventually contribute to the development of individually tailored healthcare. Researchers at Linköping University in Sweden have developed an AI-based method applicable to various medical and biological issues. Their models can for instance accurately estimate people’s chronological age and determine whether they have been smokers or not.
28 September, 2023 - Linköpings universitet
Material used in organic solar cells can also be used as light sensors in electronics. This is shown by researchers at Linköping University, Sweden, who have developed a type of sensor able to detect circularly polarised red light. Their study, published in Nature Photonics, paves the way for more reliable self-driving vehicles and other uses where night vision is important.
Expertsvar, The Swedish Research Council, Hantverkargatan 11B, Stockholm SWEDENPhone +46(0)8 546 44 000
P.O. Box 1035, SE-101 38 Stockholm, expertsvar@vr.se
Information about cookies will open in a new window
