Grant Details
Grant Number: |
5R01CA073475-02 Interpret this number |
Primary Investigator: |
Martinez-Maza, Otoniel |
Organization: |
Children'S Hospital-La |
Project Title: |
Molecular Epidemiology of AIDS-Associated Lymphoma |
Fiscal Year: |
1998 |
Abstract
DESCRIPTION (adapted from the Abstract): Non-Hodgkin's B-cell lymphoma is
seen in greatly-elevated frequency in the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
(AIDS) and in infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In
this application, the Principal Investigator proposes studies to elucidate
the molecular epidemiology of AIDS-lymphoma. In preliminary work, the
Principal Investigator found that elevated serum levels of sCD23, as well as
elevated levels of other immune system molecules (IgE, sCD27), precede the
appearance of AIDS-lymphoma. Also, the elevated levels of sCD23 seen to
precede AIDS-lymphoma may be due to the production of this molecule by tumor
cells. In the proposed studies, the Investigator and associates will test
the hypotheses that the over-expression of sCD23 (and other molecules) that
precedes AIDS-lymphoma reflects: (1) immune dysfunction leading to B-cell
hyper-activation and enhanced Ig isotype switching, perhaps contributing to
the c-myc:Ig gene chromosomal translocation commonly seen in this cancer, or
alternatively, (2) the production of these substances (sCD23 and other
molecules) by the lymphoma cells themselves, or (3) reactivation of EBV
infection. Also, they will examine the predictive value of the expression
of these molecules for AIDS-lymphoma, and the expression of these molecules
in lymphoma not associated with HIV infection, including African endemic
Burkitt's lymphoma. Their specific aims are to: (1) define the pattern of
expression of sCD23 prior to the emergence of AIDS-lymphoma; (2)
determine/confirm which immune system molecules, other than sCD23, are
elevated in those who develop AIDS-lymphoma; (3) determine if the
measurement of serum levels of molecules other than sCD23 provides
additional information for predicting the appearance of AIDS-lymphoma; and
(4) determine if sCD23 or other immune system molecules are elevated in
non-Hodgkin's B-cell lymphoma not associated with HIV infection, or in
AIDS-lymphoma in hemophiliacs. The accomplishment of these specific aims
will add valuable new information to our understanding of the molecular
epidemiology of AIDS-lymphoma, as well as the role of immune dysfunction in
the generation and growth of this cancer.
Publications
None