IFN gamma gene polymorphism may contribute to the susceptibility to CLL.

The pathogenesis of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) has been linked with the production and activity of certain growth factors. However a significant proportion of CLL patients display immune abnormalities suggestive of aberrant cytokine secretion and/or response. In contrast to B lymphocytes, T cells of B-CLL patients characterise with the increased production of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and this cytokine has been indicated to prevent malignant cells from entering apoptosis including the slowly expanding population of CD5+ B cells that characterizes chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The aim of the present study was to assess whether functionally relevant interferon-gamma gene (IFNG) polymorphism (+847 A/T) contributes to the pathogenesis of B-CLL. In total 110 individuals was investigates, including 61 CLL patients and 50 healthy individuals. The presence of the IFNG AA genotype was found to be associated with susceptibility to CLL (23/61 vs. 7/50, p < 0.005, for patients and controls, respectively). This results suggest that individuals rather prone to the lower level of IFN-gamma production (associated with the presence of the A allele) appear to be more susceptible to this malignant disease.