The role of lymphoid tissue SPARC in the pathogenesis and response to treatment of multiple myeloma.

Background: Despite the significant progress in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM), the disease remains untreatable and its cure is still an unmet clinical need. Neoplastic transformation in MM is initiated in the germinal centers (GCs) of secondary lymphoid tissue (SLT) where B cells experience extensive somatic hypermutation induced by follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) and T-cell signals.

Objective: We reason that secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC), a common stromal motif expressed by FDCs at the origin (SLTs) and the destination (BM) of MM, plays a role in the pathogenesis of MM, and, here, we sought to investigate this role.

The potential association of CMV-specific CD8+ T lymphocyte reconstitution with the risk of CMV reactivation and persistency in post allogeneic stem cell transplant patients.

Objectives: development of cytomegalovirus (CMV)-specific CD8+ T cell response is crucial in preventing symptomatic CMV infection specially, in stem cell transplant (SCT) patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate CMV-specific CD8+ T cell reconstitution in allogeneic SCT recipients and to study the possible association between CMV-specific CD8+ T cell recovery with protection from CMV reactivation and persistency.

Methods: Human leuKocyte antigen (HLA)-tetramers were used for CMV-specific CD8+ cell quantitation by Flow cytometry in twenty post-allogeneic SCT patients.

HLA alloimmunization in Egyptian aplastic anemia patients receiving exclusively leukoreduced blood components.

Background: The aim of the work was to detect the presence of anti-human leukocyte antigens (anti-HLAs) class I and II antibodies in sera of multitransfused aplastic anemia pediatric patients using two different techniques. The effect of the implemented transfusion practice on the frequency of these antibodies was studied as well as their effect on the patient's clinical condition.

Methods: Flowcytometry panel reactive antibodies (FlowPRAs) for HLA class I and II were determined and compared to the results obtained by Complement-dependent-cytotoxicity (CDC) assay.

CD200 expression in B-cell chronic lymphoproliferative disorders.

Background: Flow cytometry immunophenotyping (FCIP) is used for rapid, specific diagnosis of B-chronic lymphoproliferative disorders (BCLPDs). However, cases may deviate from the typical immunophenotype; therefore, there is a need for adding new marker(s) for differentiating BCLPDs.Lately, few researches highlighted CD200 expression in some BCLPDs.