Immunoglobulin Gene Repertoire in Ocular Adnexa Lymphomas (OAL): Hints on the Nature of the Antigenic Stimulation

Abstract

Abstract OALs arising in the ocular adnexae account for 15% of all extranodal lymphomas and are mostly represented by mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT)-type lymphomas (OAML). OAML have been described to be significantly associated, although with a variable geographic distribution, with Chlamydiophila psittaci (CP) infection, the etiologic agent of human psittacosis. Though the role played by Chlamydiae in OAML pathogenesis is also strongly supported by the observation of clinical remissions after bacterial eradication alone, the actual mechanisms have not been yet elucidated. Previous analysis of the Immunoglobulin Heavy Chain Variable (IGHV) genes in OAM..