Abstract

B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL), a clonal expansion of B CD5+ cells, is the most frequent type of adult leukemia in western countries. Accumulation of neoplastic B-cells is caused not by their higher proliferation rate, but by their prolonged life-span due to dysregulation of apoptosis. Many proteins act as inducers or inhibitors in controlling apoptosis. A high level of antiapoptotic BCL-2 protein is detected in B cells of B-CLL. Other factors, such as NF-ęB, PI-3K and PKC, are also involved in the inhibition of malignant cell apoptosis. A high level of p27kip1, an inhibitor of cyclin–dependent kinase that correlates with the degree of in vitro apoptosis, is found in B-CLL cells . The autologous interaction between BAFF, APRIL, and their ligands may also be involved in apoptosis inhibition in B-CLL. Some external factors e.g. cytokines, may suppress apoptosis of malignant cells. IL-4, IL-2, IFN-ă, and TNF are proven inhibitors, while IL-5 and IL-10 are inducers of apoptosis of these cells. Even though there are reports characterizing some mechanisms of B-CLL cell apoptosis, relatively less is still known about the complex regulation of this process. This requires more precise research, as new anti-leukemic drugs influence the regulation of apoptosis of neoplastic B ymphocytes.

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