Interleukin-3 receptor in acute leukemia.

Abstract

Recent studies indicate that abnormalities of the interleukin-3 receptor (IL-3R) are frequently observed in acute myeloid leukemias (AMLs) and may contribute to the proliferative advantage of leukemic blasts. This review analyzes the evidences indicating that the IL-3R represents one of the target molecules involved in the stimulation of proliferation of AMLs, and the overexpression of the IL-3Ralpha chain may represent one of the mechanisms contributing to the development of a highly malignant leukemic phenotype. Furthermore, there is evidence that the IL-3Ralpha is a marker of leukemic stem cells, at variance with normal stem cells that are IL-3Ralpha-. Finally, the IL-3R may represent an important target for the development of new antileukemic drugs.

• Authors: U Testa, R Riccioni, D Diverio, A Rossini, F Lo Coco, C Peschle
• Journal: Leukemia (Leukemia) Vol. 18 Issue 2 Pg. 219-26 (Feb 2004) ISSN: 0887-6924 [Print] England
• PMID: 14671644 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• IL3RA protein, human
• Interleukin-3 Receptor alpha Subunit
• Neoplasm Proteins
• Receptors, Interleukin-3

Topics

• Acute Disease
• Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
• Humans
• Interleukin-3 Receptor alpha Subunit
• Leukemia, Myeloid (etiology, metabolism)
• Neoplasm Proteins (biosynthesis, genetics, physiology)
• Neoplastic Stem Cells (metabolism, pathology)
• Receptors, Interleukin-3 (biosynthesis, genetics, physiology)