Romano M F, Lamberti A, Turco M C, Venuta S
Department of Biochemistry, Institute Pascale, Naples, Italy.
Leuk Lymphoma. 2000 Jan;36(3-4):255-62. doi: 10.3109/10428190009148846.
The levels of tumour necrosis factor receptor (TNF-R) superfamily members can be altered in lymphoid leukemias, indicating a possible role of such molecules in the biology of these neoplasias. In B chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells, the CD40/CD40L system has been shown to be effective in inhibiting the apoptotic response to fludarabine. The modulation of apoptosis relied on the CD40-induced activity of NF-kappaB/Rel transcription factors. The anti-apoptotic effect of CD40 was abolished using a phosphorothioate kappaB decoy oligodeoxynucleotide. These findings illustrate an example of the biological activity of TNF-R-like molecules in leukemias. They also show the influence of NF-kappaB/Rel activity on leukemic cell response to apoptogenic agents.
