Impact of CD39 expression on CD4+ T lymphocytes and 6q deletion on outcome of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Objective/Background

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is one of the commonest leukemias affecting adults. CD39 inhibits T-cell and Natural killer (NK) cell responses by hydrolyzing adenosine triphosphate and adenosine diphosphate, suppressing the immune system. We investigated expression of CD39 on CD4+ T Lymphocytes in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients and its relationship with deletion 6q, its association with disease stage and survival.

Methods

Thirty CLL patients and 20 matched controls were included in the study. Bone marrow studies with immunophenotyping, CD39, CD38, and ZAP-70, and detection of del 6q by FISH were performed.

Results

CD39+ CD4+ T helper cells in CLL patients were significantly expressed compared with the controls (p?<?.001). Levels of CD39+ CD4+ T cells were significantly expressed in high risk CLL patients. Del 6q was detected in 63.3% of patients and it correlated with CD39, CD38, and ZAP-70, and advanced stage disease. There was a significant relation between response to treatment and CD39 expression and del 6q, also there was a significant difference in overall survival (OS) between patients with and without Del 6q.

Conclusion

CD39 expression on CD4+ Tcells and del 6q act as prognostic markers in CLL. Blocking or inhibition of CD39 may be a target for new immune therapy for CLL.