ISSN: 2574-7800
Authors: Ortiz-Brugues A*
The underlying pathogenetic mechanisms of cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorders are yet to be elucidated. Lymphogenesis is a complex process that may have several influencing factors: tumor-dependent, host-dependent, environmental, and genetic ones. Infectious agents would interact with these factors in order to boost tumor development and progression. Recently, it has been suggested that an infectious agent may initiate chronic inflammation and thus facilitating B lymphocyte transformation and lymphogenesis. Several viruses, like Epstein-Barr virus, as well as parasites and bacteria have been linked to the development of lymphomas. Some bacteria have been suggested to be carcinogens and tumor promoters by activating intracellular signaling pathways, modulating apoptosis and cell proliferation. This phenomenon occurs when the cells of the immune system are at risk of malignant transformation. Staphilococcus aureus has been identified to cause severe infections and also to play an important role in the pathogenesis of Mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome. The susceptibility of infection seems to be related to barrier dysfunction and immunosuppression. Borrelia burgdorferi has also been associated with primary cutaneous lymphomas, both B-cell and T-cell, with geographical differences. In this article, we will review the role and mechanisms of infectious agents to drive neoplastic transformation in cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorders
Keywords: Lymphoproliferative disorders; Infectious agents; Cutaneous lymphomas
