CD31 promotes diffuse large B-cell lymphoma metastasis by upregulating OPN through the AKT pathway and inhibiting CD8+ T cells through the mTOR pathway.

objectiveDiffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is an aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Invasive DLBCL cells are likely to metastasize into extranodal tissue (e.g., the central nervous system) that is difficult for chemotherapy drugs to penetrate, seriously affecting patient prognosis. The mechanism of DLBCL invasion remains unclear. This study investigated the association between invasiveness and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (CD31) in DLBCL.

methodsThis study consisted of 40 newly diagnosed DLBCL patients. Differentially expressed genes and pathways in invasive DLBCL cells were identified using real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemical staining, RNA sequencing, and animal experiments. The effect of CD31-overexpressing DLBCL cells on the interactions between endothelial cells was determined using scanning electron microscopy. The interactions between CD8+ T cells and DLBCL cells were examined using xenograft models and single-cell RNA sequencing.

resultsCD31 was upregulated in patients with multiple metastatic tumor foci compared to patients with a single tumor focus. CD31-overexpressing DLBCL cells formed more metastatic foci in mice and shortened mouse survival time. CD31 disrupted the tight junctions between endothelial cells of the blood-brain barrier by activating the osteopontin-epidermal growth factor receptor-tight junction protein 1/tight junction protein-2 axis through the protein kinase B (AKT) pathway, enabling DLBCL to enter the central nervous system to form central nervous system lymphoma. Furthermore, CD31-overexpressing DLBCL cells recruited CD31+ CD8+ T cells that failed to synthesize interferon-γ (INF-γ), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and perforin via the activated mTOR pathway. Some target genes, such as those encoding S100 calcium-binding protein A4, macrophage-activating factor, and class I b-tubulin, may be used to treat this type of DLBCL surrounded by functionally suppressed CD31+ memory T cells.

conclusionsOur study suggests that DLBCL invasion is associated with CD31. The presence of CD31 in DLBCL lesions could represent a valuable target for treating central nervous system lymphoma and restoring CD8+ T-cell function.