Am J Blood Res 2013;3(2):91-101

Review Article
Immune surveillance and lymphoid malignancy in immunocompromised host

Patrick L Stevens, Nishitha M Reddy

Division of Hematology and stem cell transplantation, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville,
TN, USA

Received February 22, 2013; Accepted April 18, 2013; Epub May 5, 2013; Published May 15, 2013

Abstract: Immune surveillance is a dynamic process that involves an intact immune system to identify and protect the host
against tumor development. The increased understanding of the genetics, infections and hematological malignancies in
congenital immune deficiency states supports the concept that impaired T cells and Natural-killer/T cells leads to B-cell
lymphoma. Furthermore, severe combined immunodeficient mice are prone to spontaneous tumor development and
therefore serve as experimental models. Here we discuss the acquired conditions and mechanisms involved in dysregulation
of the immune system that lead to lymphoma. Preemptive strategies to improve immune regulation and response and restore
a competent immune system may lead to a decrease in lymphoid malignancies. (AJBR1302004).

Keywords: Lymphoma, immune surveillance, immune deficiency

Address correspondence to: Dr. Nishitha Reddy, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, The Vanderbilt
Clinic, 1301 Medical Center Drive, Nashville, TN 37232. Phone: 615-936-8422; Fax: 615-936-8422; E-mail:
Nishitha.reddy@vanderbilt.edu
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