CLL, but not normal, B cells are dependent on autocrine VEGF and α4β1 integrin for chemokine-induced motility on and through endothelium

Vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) is a multifunctional cytokine involved in tumor formation. In chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), it is known that the malignant cells secrete VEGF and possess VEGF receptors. This suggests that an autocrine loop might be important in the pathogenesis of CLL. Here we show that, in patients with lymphadenopathy, autocrine VEGF and α4β1 integrin are involved in the chemokine-dependent motility of CLL cells on and through endothelium-processes important for the invasion of lymphoreticular tissues, a major determinant of disease outcome. In contrast, normal lymphocytes were not dependent on autocrine VEGF or α4β1 for either type of cell movement. Moreover, in contrast to normal B lymphocytes, CLL cells failed to cluster and activate αLβ1 in response to chemokines, unless VEGF receptor(s) and α4β1 were also engaged by their respective ligands. This is the first demonstration that autocrine VEGF is involved in CLL-cell motility, and that the αLβ 2 on the malignant cells is functionally altered compared with that of normal B cells in not undergoing activation in response to chemokine alone. Given the importance of cell motility for tissue invasion, the present results provide a rationale for a trial of VEGF and α4 blockade in patients with CLL who have tissue disease. © 2005 by The American Society of Hematology.