Lasting B-cell persistence depends on survival signals that are transduced by cell surface receptors. Here, we describe a novel biological mechanism essential for survival and homeostasis of normal peripheral mature B cells and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells, regulated by the heparin-binding cytokine, midkine (MK), and its proteoglycan receptor, the receptor-type tyrosine phosphatase zeta (RPTPζ). We demonstrate that MK initiates a signaling cascade leading to B cell survival, by binding to RPTPζ. In mice lacking PTPRZ, the proportion and number of the mature B cell population is reduced. Our results emphasize a unique and critical function for MK signaling in the previously described MIF/CD74 induced survival pathway. Stimulation of CD74 with MIF leads to c-Met activation, resulting in elevation of MK expression in both normal mouse splenic B and CLL cells. Our results indicate that MK and RPTPζ are important regulators of the B cell repertoire. These findings could pave the way towards understanding the mechanisms shaping B cell survival, and suggest novel therapeutic strategies based on the blockade of the midkine/RPTPζ-dependent survival pathway.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a malignancy of mature lymphocytes that is manifest by the progressive accumulation of transformed cells, mostly due to their decreased apoptosis. CD84 belongs to the Signaling Lymphocyte Activating Molecule (SLAM) family of immunoreceptors and has an as yet unknown function in normal B cells and CLL lymphocytes. We show that CD84 is over-expressed in CLL cells. Activation of cell surface CD84 initiates a signaling cascade, which enhances cell survival. Both immunoneutralization or blockade of CD84 induce cell death in vitro and in vivo. Thus, overexpression of CD84 from an early stage may be critical for the survival of CLL. These findings suggest novel therapeutic strategies based on the blockade of a CD84 dependent survival pathway.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a malignant disease of small mature lymphocytes. Signals from the CLL microenvironment promote progression of the disease and induce drug resistance. This phenomenon is largely dependent on direct contact between the malignant B cells and stromal cells. CD84 belongs to the signaling lymphocyte activation molecule family of immunoreceptors, which self-associates, forming an orthogonal homophilic dimer. We therefore hypothesized that CD84 may bridge between CLL cells and their microenvironment, promoting cell survival. Our in vitro results show that CD84 expressed on CLL cells interact with CD84 expressed on cells in their microenvironment, inducing cell survival in both sides. Blocking CD84 in vitro and in vivo disrupt the interaction of CLL cells with their microenvironment, resulting in induced cell death. Thus, our findings suggest novel therapeutic strategies based on the blockade of this CD84-dependent survival pathway.

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Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a malignancy of mature lymphocytes that is manifest by the progressive accumulation of transformed cells, mostly due to their decreased apoptosis. CD84 belongs to the Signaling Lymphocyte Activating Molecule (SLAM) family of immunoreceptors and has an as yet unknown function in normal B cells and CLL lymphocytes. We show that CD84 is over-expressed in CLL cells. Activation of cell surface CD84 initiates a signaling cascade, which enhances cell survival. Both immunoneutralization or blockade of CD84 induce cell death in vitro and in vivo. Thus, overexpression of CD84 from an early stage may be critical for the survival of CLL. These findings suggest novel therapeutic strategies based on the blockade of a CD84 dependent survival pathway.