Expression of CD30 in Celiac Sprue

Abstract

Purpose: Cluster of Differentiation 30 (CD30), is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein of the TNF receptor superfamily. Expression of CD30 is normally seen in about 15–20% of normal CD3+ T and NK cells. CD30 also is expressed at increased levels in neoplasms of lymphoid origin as well as in several transformed T and B cell lines. CD30 expression has also been reported in refractory sprue. Our working hypothesis is that CD30 is expressed at increased levels in small bowel biopsies of patients with Celiac Sprue compared to normal intestinal tissue. If true, therapy with anti-CD30 might be a useful adjuvant in the treatment of Celiac Sprue patients who have CD30+ biopsies from small intestine mucosa. Aim: To determine expression of CD30 in small bowel biopsies of patients with Celiac Sprue compared with a normal control group. Methods: Retrospective pilot study in patients who underwent small bowel biopsies by upper endoscopy which were suggestive of Celiac Sprue as well as a matched number of normal control biopsies. A total number of forty biopsies were collected (twenty with Celiac Sprue and twenty controls), and were stained for CD30. A pathologist was blinded for the review of slides. Results: The duodenal biopsies of the control and study cases revealed no staining of the intraepithelial lymphocytes by CD30. Occasional lymphoid cells within the lamina propia were reactive with CD30 in both groups. No staining differences were observed between the two groups. Conclusion: Lymphocytes in the lamina propia of patients with early Celiac Sprue are not associated with the cascade of CD30 immunologic events. Our results suggest that expression of CD30 in Celiac Sprue is not present early in the course of this disease, but an unkown event triggers the expression of this receptor later on, when the disease is considered as refractory Sprue and/or lymphoma.