Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Bears Evidence of New Mutation

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL), in some patients, shows evidence of a genetic mutation that impacts the encoding of the receptor for B cell-activating factor (BAFF),according to an online paper.

This paper was published online on November 1 in the Journal of Experimental Medicine

BAFF, a soluble protein needed for B cell survival and maturation, is elevated in the blood of some NHL patients and is associated with poor prognosis.

This BAFF-R mutation, identified by a team led by Anne Novak and Gail Bishop, generates a receptor that transmits stronger than normal signals, thus boosting B cell function.

Although present in fewer than 10% of the tumors analyzed in the study, this mutation provides further evidence of the importance of BAFF signaling in this dangerous malignancy.



Source: Eurekalert