CXCL13+

CXCL13 is a chemokine upregulated in germinal centre T-helper cells. It is critical for B-cell entry into the germinal centre.

Immunohistochemical expression

In reactive lymphoid follicles, there is intense staining of follicular dendritic cells, histiocytes and T-helper cells1. Histiocytes and rare small lymphocytes also stain within the paracortex1.

Diagnostic utility

Positivity in angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma may help to distinguish it from peripheral T-cell lymphoma1.

References

1 Grogg KL, Attygale AD, Macon WR, et al. Expression of CXCL13, a chemokine highly upregulated in germinal center T-helper cells, distinguishes angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma from peripheral T-cell lymphoma, unspecified. Mod Pathol 2006; 19:1101-7

2 Ortonne N, Dupuis J, Plonquet A, et al. Characterization of CXCL13+ neoplastic t cells in cutaneous lesions of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL). Am J Surg Pathol 2007; 31:1068-76

This page last revised 18.11.2007.

©SMUHT/PW Bishop