Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm:Two case reports

BACKGROUND Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell tumor(BPDCN)is a rare and highly invasive lymphohematopoietic tumor that originates from plasmacytoid dendritic cells.BPDCN has an extremely poor prognosis.Skin lesions are usually the first manifestation of BPDCN,although the tumor may also invade the bone marrow,lymph nodes,peripheral blood,and other parts of the body,leading to several other manifestations,requiring further differentiation through skin biopsy and immunohistochemistry.CASE SUMMARY In the present paper,the cases of 2 patients diagnosed with BPDCN are discussed.The immunohistochemistry analysis of these 2 patients revealed positivity for CD4,CD56,and CD123.Currently,no standard chemotherapy regimen is available for BPDCN.Therefore,intensive therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia was applied as the treatment method for these 2 cases.CONCLUSION Although allogeneic bone marrow transplantation could be further effective in prolonging the median survival the ultimate prognosis was unfavorable.Future treatment modalities tailored for elderly patients will help prolong survival.

Advancing the understanding and management of blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm:Insights from recent case studies

We specifically discuss the mechanisms of the pathogenesis,diagnosis,and management of blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm(BPDCN),a rare but aggressive haematologic malignancy characterized by frequent skin manifestations and systemic dissemination.The article enriches our understanding of BPDCN through detailed case reports showing the clinical,immunophenotypic,and histopathological features that are critical for diagnosing this disease.These cases highlight the essential role of pathologists in employing advanced immunophenotyping techniques to accurately identify the disease early in its course and guide treatment decisions.Furthermore,we explore the implications of these findings for management strategies,emphasizing the use of targeted therapies such as tagraxofusp and the potential of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in achieving remission.The editorial underscores the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in managing BPDCN,pointing towards a future where precision medicine could significantly improve patient outcomes.

Azacitidine maintenance therapy for blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm allograft: A case report

BACKGROUND Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm(BPDCN)is a rare,highly invasive malignant neoplasm.There is no universally accepted standard of care because of its rarity and the dearth of prospective research.It is still challenging for some patients to achieve persistent clinical remission or cure,despite the success of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(allo-HSCT),indicating that there is still a significant recurrence rate.We report a case of prevention of BPDCN allograft recurrence by azacitidine maintenance therapy and review the relevant literature.CASE SUMMARY We report a 41-year-old man with BPDCN who was admitted to hospital due to skin sclerosis for>5 mo’duration.BPDCN was diagnosed by combined clinical assessment and laboratory examinations.Following diagnosis,the patients underwent induction consolidation chemotherapy to achieve the first complete remission,followed by bridging allo-HSCT.Post-transplantation,azacitidine(75 mg/m2 for 7 d)was administered as maintenance therapy,with repeat administration every 4–6 wk and appropriate extension of the chemotherapy cycle.After 10 cycles,the patient has been disease free for 26 mo after transplantation.Regular assessments of bone marrow morphology,minimal residual disease,full donor chimerism,Epstein–Barr virus,and cytomegalovirus all yielded normal results with no abnormalities detected.CONCLUSION Azacitidine may be a safe and effective maintenance treatment for BPDCN following transplantation because there were no overt adverse events during the course of treatment.

Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm in Jinhua,China:Two case reports

BACKGROUND Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm(BPDCN)is a rare and clinically aggressive hematologic malignancy originating from the precursors of plasmacytoid dendritic cells.BPDCN often involves the skin,lymph nodes,and bone marrow,with rapid clinical progression and a poor prognosis.The BPDCN diagnosis is mainly based on the immunophenotype.CASE SUMMARY In this paper,we retrospectively analyzed 2 cases of BPDCN.Both patients were elderly males.The lesions manifested as skin masses.Morphological manifestations included diffuse and dense tumor cell infiltration of the dermis and subcutaneous tissues.Immunohistochemistry staining showed that cluster of differentiation CD4,CD56,CD43,and CD123 were positive.CONCLUSION In this paper,we retrospectively analyzed 2 cases of BPDCN.Both patients were elderly males.The lesions manifested as skin masses.Morphological manifestations included diffuse and dense tumor cell infiltration of the dermis and subcutaneous tissues.Immunohistochemistry staining showed that cluster of differentiation CD4,CD56,CD43,and CD123 were positive.

Emerging roles of plasmacytoid dendritic cell crosstalk in tumor immunity

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells(pDCs)are a pioneer cell type that produces type I interferon(IFN-I)and promotes antiviral immune responses.However,they are tolerogenic and,when recruited to the tumor microenvironment(TME),play complex roles that have long been a research focus.The interactions between p DCs and other components of the TME,whether direct or indirect,can either promote or hinder tumor development;consequently,p DCs are an intriguing target for therapeutic intervention.This review provides a comprehensive overview of p DC crosstalk in the TME,including crosstalk with various cell types,biochemical factors,and microorganisms.An in-depth understanding of p DC crosstalk in TME should facilitate the development of novel p DC-based therapeutic methods.

Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm:Progress in Cell Origin,Molecular Biology,Diagnostic Criteria and Therapeutic Approaches

Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm(BPDCN)is a rare hematological malignancy characterized by recurrent skin nodules,an aggressive clinical course with rapid involvement of hematological organs,and a poor prognosis with poor overall survival.BPDCN is derived from plasmacytoid dendritic cells(pDCs)and its pathogenesis is unclear.The tumor cells show aberrant expression of CD4,CD56,interleukin-3 receptor alpha chain(CD 123),blood dendritic cell antigen 2(BDCA 2/CD303),blood dendritic cell antigen 4(BDCA4)and transcription factor(E protein)E2-2(TCF4).The best treatment drugs are based on experience by adopting those used for either leukemia or lymphoma.Relapse with drug resistance generally occurs quickly.Stem cell transplantation after the first complete remission is recommended and tagraxofusp is the first targeted therapy.In this review,we summarize the differentiation of BPDCN from its cell origin,its connection with normal pDCs,clinical characteristics,genetic mutations and advances in treatment of BPDCN.This review provides insights into the mechanisms of and new therapeutic approaches for BPDCN.

Plasmacytoid Transitional Cell Carcinoma of Bladder： A Clinico-pathological Study and Review of Literatures

Objective： To study the pathologic features of plasmacytoid transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder, and to analyze the diagnostic features, criteria for differential diagnosis and the clinical significance of the tumor. Methods： Two cases of bladder plasmacytoid transitional cell carcinoma were studied. Routine paraffin sections with HE staining, Pap smear and immunohistochemistry by S-P method were observed under a light microscope. Pathological and clinical data were analyzed by comparison with early reported cases in literatures. Results： A characteristic feature of this tumor was of deep invasion in the lamina propria and/or muscularis propria, in addition to the component of carcinoma in situ in the mucosa, when tumors were diagnosed. The histological pattern and cytological features showed similarity to a plasmacytoid tumor. The tumor cells were strongly positive for AE1/AE3, CEA and CK18. The prognosis appeared to be worse than ordinary transitional cell carcinoma. Conclusion： The plasmacytoid transitional cell carcinoma of bladder is rare but has typical pathological, immunohistological and clinical features. Pathologists should be aware of this kind of primary tumor of bladder.

Cilostazol inhibits plasmacytoid dendritic cell activation and antigen presentation

Background Cilostazol, an anti-platelet drug for treating coronary heart disease, has been reported to modulate immune cell functions Plasmacytoid dendritic cells （pDCs） have been found to participate in the progression of atherosclerosis mainly through interferon ct （IFN-ct） production. Whether cilostazol influences pDCs activation is still not clear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of cilostazol on cell activation and antigen presentation ofpDCs in vitro in this study. Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated by Ficoll cen- trifugation and pDCs sorted by flow cytometry were used in this study. After pretreated with cilostazol for 2 h, cells were stimulated with CpG-A, R848 or virus for 6 h or 20 h, or stimulated with CpG-B for 48 h and then co-cultured with naive T cell for five days. Cytokines in supernatant and intracellular cytokines were analyzed by ELISA or flow cytometry respectively. Results Our data indicated that cilostazol could inhibit IFN-α and tumor necrosis factor α （TNF-α） production from pDCs in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the ability of priming na ve T cells of pDCs was also impaired by cilostazol. The inhibitory effect was not due to cell killing since the viability of pDCs did not change upon cilostazol treatment. Conclusion Cilostazol inhibits pDCs cell activation and antigen presentation in vitro, which may explain how cilostazol protects against atherosclerosis.

Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm with skin and bone marrow involvement: Report of three cases

BACKGROUND Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm(BPDCN)is a rare and highly aggressive hematopoietic malignancy.BPDCN is difficult to diagnose because of the overlap in morphologic and immunophenotypic features with various cutaneous lymphatic hematopoietic tumors.CASE SUMMARY We report on three BPDCN cases,all characterized by skin nodules and examined by histology,immunohistochemical detection,in situ hybridization for Epstein-Barr virus,and follow-up.We also review the relevant literature.All patients were positive for CD56 and negative for Epstein-Barr encoded small RNA.Two patients had bone marrow involvement.Chemotherapy is the main treatment for BPDCN,but case 1 showed bone marrow suppression and case 2 developed recurrence after chemotherapy.Case 1 survived for 7 mo,case 2 for 17 mo,and case 3 for 9 mo.CONCLUSION An accurate pathological diagnosis is a precondition for treatment,and the diagnosis of BPDCN should be based on a combination of clinical symptoms,pathological characteristics,immunophenotype,and other auxiliary examinations.It is necessary to clarify the clinicopathological features and biological behavior of BPDCN to improve its understanding by both clinicians and pathologists.Case 2 survived significantly longer than the other two cases,suggesting that the treatment received by case 2 was more effective.

Increased Activity of NK Cells and Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells in HIV-Exposed Seronegative (ESN) Individuals

The mechanisms involved in resistance to HIV-1 infection, especially the role of innate immune response, have not been thoroughly explored in individuals who are repeatedly exposed to HIV-1, but do not get the infection, termed as Exposed sero-negative or ESN. Frequency and activation state of natural killer (NK) cells and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) in ESNs from North India were compared with those in recently infected HIV positives (RHIV), chronically infected HIV positives (HIV+) and healthy controls (HC). The activation state of NK cells in terms of cytokine response (IFNγ & TNFα) was significantly higher in ESNs compared to the healthy controls, recently infected HIV+ and chronically infected HIV+. Although the number of circulating pDC in different study groups was not significantly different, yet these cells seem to have significantly higher activation state in terms of IFNα production (ex-vivo in response to CpG ODN) in ESNs when compared with other groups. Increased activation status of NK cells and pDC in Exposed but Seronegative individuals indicates their continuous stimulation with HIV antigens due to regular exposure with infected partners and which might be imparting resistance to viral infection in these individuals.

The Influence of IFN-α on Blood Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell in Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia

OBJECTIVE To study the mechanism of IFN on CML.METHODS Samples of 15 CML patients and 10 healthy controlswere studied. The flow cytometry was performed to identifycirculating pDCs. The concentration of IFN-α in serum and that inthe supernatant of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs)cultured after stimulation with CpG ODN2216 were examinedboth in CML patients and in the healthy controlsRESULTS There was significant reduction in the numberof circulating pDCs, serum concentration of IFN-α and thecapacity of IFN-α producing PBMCs in CML patients comparedwith those in healthy control individuals (P < 0.001). After theactive treatment with IFN-α and hydroxyurea, the quantity andfunction of pDCs were increased in stabilized patients, especiallythe function of pDCs in 2 patients achieving major cytogeneticresponse (MCR). The proportion and function of pDCs and theserum levels of IFN were inversely correlated with both WBC andage of the patients with CML, and positively correlated with thestate of the illness.CONCLUSION CML patients had a reduced number anddysfunction of circulating pDCs. The active treatment with IFN inCML patients may be related to the restoration of pDCs.

The role of plasmacytoid dendritic cells(pDCs)in immunity during viral infections and beyond

Type I and III interferons(IFNs)are essential for antiviral immunity and act through two different but complimentary pathways.First,IFNs activate intracellular antimicrobial programs by triggering the upregulation of a broad repertoire of viral restriction factors.Second,IFNs activate innate and adaptive immunity.Dysregulation of IFN production can lead to severe immune system dysfunction.It is thus crucial to identify and characterize the cellular sources of IFNs,their effects,and their regulation to promote their beneficial effects and limit their detrimental effects,which can depend on the nature of the infected or diseased tissues,as we will discuss.Plasmacytoid dendritic cells(pDCs)can produce large amounts of all IFN subtypes during viral infection.pDCs are resistant to infection by many different viruses,thus inhibiting the immune evasion mechanisms of viruses that target IFN production or their downstream responses.Therefore,pDCs are considered essential for the control of viral infections and the establishment of protective immunity.A thorough bibliographical survey showed that,in most viral infections,despite being major IFN producers,pDCs are actually dispensable for host resistance,which is achieved by multiple IFN sources depending on the tissue.Moreover,primary innate and adaptive antiviral immune responses are only transiently affected in the absence of pDCs.More surprisingly,pDCs and their IFNs can be detrimental in some viral infections or autoimmune diseases.This makes the conservation of pDCs during vertebrate evolution an enigma and thus raises outstanding questions about their role not only in viral infections but also in other diseases and under physiological conditions.

Macrophage phagocytosis of SARS-CoV-2-infected cells mediates potent plasmacytoid dendritic cell activation

Early and strong interferon type I (IFN-I) responses are usually associated with mild COVID-19 disease, whereas persistent orunregulated proinflammatory cytokine responses are associated with severe disease outcomes. Previous work suggested thatmonocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) are resistant and unresponsive to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Here, we demonstrate that uponphagocytosis of SARS-CoV-2-infected cells, MDMs are activated and secrete IL-6 and TNF. Importantly, activated MDMs in turnmediate strong activation of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), leading to the secretion of high levels of IFN-α and TNF.Furthermore, pDC activation promoted IL-6 production by MDMs. This kind of pDC activation was dependent on direct integrinmediated cell‒cell contacts and involved stimulation of the TLR7 and STING signaling pathways. Overall, the present studydescribes a novel and potent pathway of pDC activation that is linked to the macrophage-mediated clearance of infected cells.These findings suggest that a high infection rate by SARS-CoV-2 may lead to exaggerated cytokine responses, which maycontribute to tissue damage and severe disease.

母细胞性浆细胞样树突状细胞肿瘤临床和病理特征分析

目的:归纳并分析母细胞性浆细胞样树突状细胞肿瘤(BPDCN)的临床资料,为进一步认识该类疾病提供依据。方法:回顾性分析11例BPDCN患者的临床表现、免疫表型及病理特点、治疗与预后。结果:11例明确诊断BPDCN的患者中,男性8例、女性3例,中位年龄44(6-81)岁。临床主要以皮疹、包块等为首发症状,并伴有淋巴结、骨髓受累。肿瘤性母细胞性浆细胞样树突状细胞(pDC)表达HLA-DR、CD4、CD56、CD123,不表达cCD3、cMPO、cCD79a,部分病例可表达CD38、CD99、CD36。临床上手术切除、多次化疗失败的患者复发快,患者生存期短。首次化疗达到完全缓解的患者pDC细胞不表达CD56,且经骨髓移植后具有较长的生存期。结论:BPDCN免疫表型具有异质性,CD56是区分肿瘤性和正常pDC细胞的良好标志物;化疗缓解后进行造血干细胞移植的BPDCN患者预后较好。

麻黄附子细辛汤联合孟鲁司特钠对咳嗽变异性哮喘症状改善及外周血树突状细胞mDCs和pDCs水平的影响

目的分析麻黄附子细辛汤联合孟鲁司特钠对咳嗽变异性哮喘患儿症状改善及外周血髓样树突状细胞(myeloid dendritic cells,mDCs)和浆细胞样树突状细胞(plasmacytoid dendritic cells,pDCs)及肺功能的影响。方法选取医院2019年1月—2020年12月收治的132例咳嗽变异性哮喘患儿作为研究对象。按随机数字表法分为两组,对照组66例,在常规雾化治疗基础上给予孟鲁司特钠治疗;观察组66例,在对照组基础上给予麻黄附子细辛汤治疗。检测两组患儿治疗前、治疗后1、2、3、4周外周血mDCs、pDCs及mDCs/pDCs数据变化、症状改善情况及肺功能的影响。随访1年观察复发情况。结果两组治疗前后外周血mDCs比例没有变化(P>0.05);两组治疗后外周血pDCs比例均持续下降(P<0.05),但观察组治疗后2周和3周外周血pDCs比例低于对照组(P<0.05);两组治疗后mDCs/pDCs比值升高(P<0.05),但观察组治疗后2周和3周的mDCs/pDCs比值高于对照组(P<0.05)。治疗4周后,观察组早晚的咳嗽评分低于对照组(P<0.05);治疗4周后观察组肺功能各指标优于对照组(P<0.05);随访1年后,病例均未脱落,观察组复发率4.55%(3/66)低于对照组15.15%(10/66)(P<0.05)。结论麻黄附子细辛汤联合孟鲁司特钠治疗咳嗽变异性哮喘,更能快速降低外周血pDCs比例、提升mDCs/pDCs比值,有助于快速纠正患儿体内Th1/Th2的失衡状态同时减轻临床症状、优化肺功能,预后较好。

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells in antiviral immunity and autoimmunity

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) represent a unique and crucial immune cell population capable of producing large amounts of type I interferons (IFNs) in response to viral infection.The function of pDCs as the professional type I IFN-producing cells is linked to their selective expression of Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) and TLR9,which sense viral nucleic acids within the endosomal compartments.Type I IFNs produced by pDCs not only directly inhibit viral replication but also play an essential role in linking the innate and adaptive immune system.The aberrant activation of pDCs by self nucleic acids through TLR signaling and the ongoing production of type I IFNs do occur in some autoimmune diseases.Therefore,pDC may serve as an attractive target for therapeutic manipulations of the immune system to treat viral infectious diseases and autoimmune diseases.

母细胞性浆细胞样树突细胞肿瘤2例并文献复习

目的探讨母细胞性浆细胞样树突细胞肿瘤的临床病理特征、治疗及预后。方法结合相关文献,回顾性分析2例母细胞性浆细胞样树突细胞肿瘤患者的临床表现、组织学形态、免疫表型、治疗方案及预后。结果2例组织形态均符合母细胞性浆细胞样树突细胞肿瘤的病理改变,免疫组织标记CD4、CD56、CD123、TCL1阳性,排除淋巴系、髓系及NK细胞来源,2例EBER原位杂交检测结果均为阴性;例l累及骨髓及淋巴结,对症支持治疗,2月后死亡;例2经CHOP方案化疗8周期,半年后病情进展,全身多发红疹,后予吉西他滨、奥沙利铂及培门冬酶化疗9周期,目前病情稳定。结论母细胞性浆细胞样树突细胞肿瘤多以皮肤症状为首发,具有独特的临床病理特点,诊断依靠组织学及免疫表型,目前尚无有效的治疗方案且预后差。

Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells Act as the Most Competent Cell Type in Linking Antiviral Innate and Adaptive Immune Responses

Appropriate in vivo control of plasmacytoid dendritic cell （pDC） recruitment and activation is a fundamental requirement for defense against viral infection. During this process, a pivotal event that influences the outcome of viral infection is the production of high levels of type I interferon by pDCs. In particular, recent research findings showed that pDCs not only shape the nature of innate resistance, but are also responsible for the successful transition from innate to adaptive immunity for viral resistance. In addition, pDCs can differentiate into antigen presenting cells that may regulate tolerance to a given pathogen. Importantly, in a series of recent clinical studies, pDCs appeared to be defective in number and function in conditions of chronic viral diseases such as infected with HIV-1, HBV or HCV. pDC-associated clinical antiviral therapy is also emerging. This review describes research findings exatnining the functional and antiviral properties of in vivo pDC plasticity. Cellular ＆ Molecular Immunology. 2005;2（6）：411- 417.

浆细胞样树突状细胞在肿瘤及自身免疫性疾病进展中的作用

浆细胞样树突状细胞是一种具有独特免疫效应的细胞,其在机体的免疫防御过程中发挥着重要作用,但同时也可能促进疾病的发展并对机体造成损伤。近年来浆细胞样树突状细胞的生物学特性、免疫学功能、在某些肿瘤和自身免疫性疾病中的致病机制以及相关的免疫治疗已经得到了广泛的关注。本文将对这些研究进行综述,以深入探讨浆细胞样树突状细胞在机体中的作用,并为相关疾病的治疗提供新的思路。

母细胞性浆细胞样树突细胞肿瘤一例并文献复习

母细胞性浆细胞样树突细胞肿瘤恶性程度极高,多以皮肤为首发表现,皮损表现多样,易误诊漏诊,诊断需结合广泛的免疫表型和组织病理学特点,易复发,预后不良。我院诊治1例76岁老年男性患者,以头颈部暗紫色浸润性结节和肿块为首发表现。免疫表型和组织病理学特点符合母细胞性浆细胞样树突细胞肿瘤。