The importance of CD39, CD43, CD81, and CD95 expression for differentiating B cell lymphoma by flow cytometry

Background B cell lymphomas' (BCL) current diagnosis is usually based on a combination of morphology, immunophenotype, recurrent cytogenetic aberration and clinical features. However, even with these diagnostic tools, a definitive diagnosis can be difficult to achieve. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the profile of CD39, CD43, CD81, and CD95 expressions in diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), follicular lymphoma (FL), and Burkitt lymphoma (BL) cases. Methods To address this issue, we investigated the expression of CD39, CD43, CD81, and CD95 by eight‐color flow cytometry in retrospective cases from 2014 to 2016. Results The study included 27 adult patients diagnosed with DLBCL, FL, and BL during the study period. Four patients were diagnosed with germinal center B cell‐like DLBCL (GCB DLBCL), seven with non‐GCB DLBCL, nine with FL, and seven with BL. CD39 seems to be especially relevant to differentiate non‐GCB DLBCL from BL and from FL. BL showed stronger expression of CD43 when compared to FL and GCB DLBCL. Moreover, CD43 may help to distinguish non‐GCB DLBCL from GCB DLBCL. CD81 expression was much stronger in BL when compared to the other three groups of patients. Lastly, CD95 may also help to distinguish BL from the other subtypes, as BL cells expressed this antigen at low levels. Conclusions In combination, CD39, CD43, CD81, and CD95 expressions appear to be helpful to distinguish CD10 + BCL, particularly BL. Phenotypic distinction between FL and GCB DLBCL remains challenging and requires further studies. © 2017 International Clinical Cytometry Society