CD4+CD56+ hematodermic neoplasms bear a plasmacytoid dendritic cell phenotype

Hum Pathol. 2005 Sep;36(9):1020-4. doi: 10.1016/j.humpath.2005.07.002.

Abstract

CD4+CD56+ hematodermic neoplasms (HNs) with initial presentation in the skin are characterized by highly aggressive behavior and poor prognosis. Recent studies indicate that malignant cells, which are devoid of common T-, B-, NK-, and myeloid lineage markers, may be of plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC) origin. We undertook a study to assess the expression of several pDC-associated molecules on a series of 5 CD4+CD56+ HN cases. CD123 was expressed in all 5 cases, with some heterogeneity in individual cases. All but one case revealed fine membranous BDCA-2 staining of the dermal infiltrate. pDC-like phenotype of the malignant infiltrating cells was confirmed by costaining of BDCA-2+ cells with CD123 and CD4. MxA protein, representing the surrogate marker for lesional type I interferon activity, was expressed in 4 of 5 evaluated cases. Our findings further substantiate the putative pDC origin of CD4+CD56+ HNs.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / analysis
  • CD4 Antigens / analysis*
  • CD56 Antigen / analysis*
  • Cell Lineage
  • Dendritic Cells / immunology
  • Dendritic Cells / pathology*
  • Female
  • GTP-Binding Proteins / analysis
  • Humans
  • Immunophenotyping
  • Interleukin-3 Receptor alpha Subunit
  • Lectins, C-Type / analysis
  • Lymphoma / immunology
  • Lymphoma / pathology*
  • Male
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / analysis
  • Middle Aged
  • Myxovirus Resistance Proteins
  • Receptors, Immunologic / analysis
  • Receptors, Interleukin-3 / analysis
  • Skin Neoplasms / immunology
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology*

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • CD4 Antigens
  • CD56 Antigen
  • CLEC4C protein, human
  • IL3RA protein, human
  • Interleukin-3 Receptor alpha Subunit
  • Lectins, C-Type
  • MX1 protein, human
  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • Myxovirus Resistance Proteins
  • Receptors, Immunologic
  • Receptors, Interleukin-3
  • GTP-Binding Proteins