Identification of the atypically modified autoantigen Ars2 as the target of B-cell receptors from activated B-cell-type diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Haematologica. 2021 Aug 1;106(8):2224-2232. doi: 10.3324/haematol.2019.241653.

Abstract

It has been suggested that B-cell receptor (BCRs) stimulation by specific antigens plays a pathogenic role in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Here, it was the aim to screen for specific reactivities of DLBCL-BCRs in the spectrum of autoantigens and antigens of infectious origin. Arsenite resistance protein 2 (Ars2) was identified as the BCR target of 3/5 ABC-type DLBCL cell lines and 2/11 primary DLBCL cases. Compared to controls, Ars2 was hypo-phosphorylated exclusively in cases and cell lines with Ars2-specific BCRs. In a validation cohort, hypo-phosphorylated Ars2 was found in 8/31 ABC-type, but only 1/20 germinal center B cell (GBC)-like type DLBCL. Incubation with Ars2 induced BCR-pathway activation and increased proliferation, while an Ars2/ETA-toxin conjugate induced killing of cell lines with Ars2-reactive BCRs. Ars2 appears to play a role in a subgroup of ABC-type DLBCLs. Moreover, transformed DLBCL lines with Ars2-reactive BCRs still show growth advantage after incubation with Ars2. These results provide knowledge about the pathogenic role of a specific antigen stimulating the BCR pathway in DLCBL.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Autoantigens*
  • B-Lymphocytes
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse* / genetics
  • Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell / genetics
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Autoantigens
  • Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell

Grants and funding

Funding: This work was supported by a grant from Wilhelm-Sander- Stiftung.