In Utero Development and Immunosurveillance of B Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

ABSTRACT:

Opinion statement

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most frequent type of pediatric cancer with a peak incidence at 2-5 years of age. ALL frequently begins in utero with the emergence of clinically silent, preleukemic cells. Underlying leukemia-predisposing germline and acquired somatic mutations define distinct ALL subtypes that vary dramatically in treatment outcomes. In addition to genetic predisposition, a second hit, which usually occurs postnatally, is required for development of overt leukemia in most ALL subtypes. An untrained, dysregulated immune response, possibly due to an abnormal response to infection, may be an important co-factor triggering the onset of leukemia. Furthermore, the involvement of natural killer (NK) cells and T helper (Th) cells in controlling

SUBMITTER: Ruchel N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8924576 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature