학술논문

BTG1 mutation yields supercompetitive B cells primed for malignant transformation.
Document Type
article
Source
Science. 379(6629)
Subject
Animals
Humans
Mice
Antibody Affinity
B-Lymphocytes
Germinal Center
Mutation
Neoplasm Proteins
Lymphoma
Large B-Cell
Diffuse
Cell Transformation
Neoplastic
Selection
Genetic
Language
Abstract
Multicellular life requires altruistic cooperation between cells. The adaptive immune system is a notable exception, wherein germinal center B cells compete vigorously for limiting positive selection signals. Studying primary human lymphomas and developing new mouse models, we found that mutations affecting BTG1 disrupt a critical immune gatekeeper mechanism that strictly limits B cell fitness during antibody affinity maturation. This mechanism converted germinal center B cells into supercompetitors that rapidly outstrip their normal counterparts. This effect was conferred by a small shift in MYC protein induction kinetics but resulted in aggressive invasive lymphomas, which in humans are linked to dire clinical outcomes. Our findings reveal a delicate evolutionary trade-off between natural selection of B cells to provide immunity and potentially dangerous features that recall the more competitive nature of unicellular organisms.