Evaluation of the frequency of CD5+ B cells as natural immunoglobulin M producers and circulating soluble CD5 in patients with bladder cancer.

Bladder cancer is the most common malignancy of the genitourinary tract. It is the fourth most common malignancy in men and the fifth most common malignancy in the general population, with a high recurrence rate. CD5+ B lymphocytes are a subset of B lymphocytes, which contribute to innate immune responses. These cells are involved in the spontaneous production of self-reactive natural antibodies. On the other hand, natural antibodies can recognize tumor-associated antigens, including proteins or carbohydrates, and eliminate these cells in a complement-dependent manner or via induction of apoptosis. Besides surface CD5, the soluble form of this molecule is involved in the regulation of immune system. Considering the role of CD5+ B cells in the production of natural immunoglobulin M (IgM) and role of these antibodies in antitumor responses, in this study, we aimed to investigate the frequency of CD5 in B cells and to evaluate the diagnostic potential of these cells and also soluble CD5 (sCD5) in patients with bladder cancer. Blood specimens were collected from 40 patients with bladder cancer, who were referred to Sina Hospital in Tehran, IRAN. The levels of CD5+ and CD5- B lymphocytes were measured in the peripheral blood via flow cytometry, and the levels of sCD5 and total IgM were investigated in the serum by ELISA and nephlometry techniques, respectively. The frequency of CD5+ and CD5- B cells was significantly lower in patients, compared with the healthy controls. Detectable levels of sCD5 were found in two patients (5%), while total IgM showed no significant difference between the patient and control groups. The present results suggest that B cell subsets may be affected by malignancy. Therefore, further research is needed to identify B cells and their soluble markers for diagnosis of patients with bladder cancer.