Evaluation of mRNA Expression of CD244 and Its Adapter Molecules in CD8+ T Cells in Acute Leukemia

This study investigated the role of the immune-checkpoint receptor (ICR), CD244, and its adapter molecules, in CD8+ T cells in acute leukemia.

Blood samples were obtained from 21 acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and 6 acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients and 20 control subjects. Relative gene expression of CD244, immune receptor tyrosine-based switch motif-associated protein (SA), EWS/FLI1-activated transcript 2 (EAT-2), and LncRNA-GSTT1-AS1 were evaluated using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.

Expression of CD244, SAP, and EAT-2 were significantly lower in CD8+ T cells from ALL patients than those from control subjects. Interestingly, the expression of SAP was much lower than that of CD244, indicating a lower ratio of SAP to CD244. Also, SAP expression was significantly lower in AML patients compared to the control group. Expression of LncRNA-GSTT1-AS1 showed no significant difference in ALL and AML patients compared to control subjects.

The low SAP/CD244 expression ratio in CD8+ T cells in ALL suggests an inhibitory role for CD244 in ALL.