CD38 in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: From Bench to Bedside?

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BlankCD38 in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: From Bench to Bedside?

S Deaglio, T Vaisitti, S Serra, V Audrito, C Bologna, G D'Arena, L ti, D

Gottardi, and F Malavasi

Mini Rev Med Chem, May 11, 2011;

Human Genetics Foundation, HuGeF, via Nizza 52, 10126 TORINO, Italy.

silvia.deaglio@... .

Human CD38 is a cell surface molecule endowed with multiple functions. As an

enzyme, it catalyzes the production of Ca2+ active metabolites, predominantly

cADPR and ADPR. As a receptor, it regulates the activation of an intracellular

signaling pathway, generally linked to lymphocyte activation and proliferation

in physiological conditions. The finding that CD38 behaves as an independent

negative prognostic factor in CLL patients was the starting point for

investigations into the functional role of the molecule in the neoplastic

context. Data accumulating in over a decade concur to define a model where CD38

is a central element of a large supramolecular complex that includes surface

signaling receptors, chemokine receptors, adhesion molecules and matrix

metalloproteases. Expression of CD38 within this supramolecular complex makes

signal transduction as well as chemotaxis and homing more efficient, suggesting

that the molecule is an integrator of proliferative and migratory signals. These

data indicate that CD38 is not only a reliable disease marker but also a

functional molecule in the CLL context. The next decade will likely tell whether

it can also be a useful therapeutic target.

PMID: 21561406