1. B cells behaving badly.
- Author
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Shim, Youn K., Silver, Sharon R., Caporaso, Neil E., Marti, Gerald E., Middleton, Dannie C., Linet, Martha S., and Vogt, Robert F.
- Subjects
B cells ,CARCINOGENESIS ,LYMPHOPROLIFERATIVE disorders ,CHRONIC lymphocytic leukemia ,CELLULAR immunity ,MONOCLONAL antibodies ,CELL-mediated lympholysis ,BIOMARKERS - Abstract
The pathogenesis of B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders in general and B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia in particular appears to involve dysfunctional regulation of humoral and cellular immunity with the subsequent development of genetic aberrations in B cells. In theory, either component may arise de novo or may be influenced by environmental exposures including infectious agents, antigens, genotoxic chemicals, or radiation. As an intermediary within the exposure-disease continuum, monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis may be a helpful biomarker for teasing out these various contributions to risk. This article introduces a series of papers that resulted from an International Workshop held in May 2007 entitled ‘Monoclonal B-cell Lymphocytosis and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Environmental and Genetic Risk Factors’. Research efforts, such as those described in this issue, should lead to improved interventions, more predictive biomarkers, more effective treatments, and a greater appreciation of how the immune system functions over the entire human lifespan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2007
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