The B-cell receptor orchestrates environment-mediated lymphoma survival and drug resistance in B-cell malignancies

Oncogene. 2014 Aug 7;33(32):4107-13. doi: 10.1038/onc.2013.379. Epub 2013 Sep 16.

Abstract

Specific niches within the lymphoma tumor microenvironment (TME) provide sanctuary for subpopulations of tumor cells through stromal cell-tumor cell interactions. These interactions notably dictate growth, response to therapy and resistance of residual malignant B cells to therapeutic agents. This minimal residual disease (MRD) remains a major challenge in the treatment of B-cell malignancies and contributes to subsequent disease relapse. B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling has emerged as essential mediator of B-cell homing, survival and environment-mediated drug resistance (EMDR). Central to EMDR are chemokine- and integrin-mediated interactions between lymphoma and the TME. Further, stromal cell-B cell adhesion confers a sustained BCR signaling leading to chemokine and integrin activation. Recently, the inhibitors of BCR signaling have garnered a substantial clinical interest because of their effectiveness in B-cell disorders. The efficacy of these agents is, at least in part, attributed to attenuation of BCR-dependent lymphoma-TME interactions. In this review, we discuss the pivotal role of BCR signaling in the integration of intrinsic and extrinsic determinants of TME-mediated lymphoma survival and drug resistance.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • B-Lymphocytes / cytology
  • Cell Adhesion
  • Cell Survival
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm*
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma / drug therapy*
  • Lymphoma / mortality*
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell / physiopathology*
  • Neoplasm, Residual
  • Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction
  • Stromal Cells / metabolism

Substances

  • Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell