Expression of chemokine receptor 5 in acute myeloid leukemia

Background
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease characterized by the uncontrolled expansion of immature blast cells. Chemokine receptors are a family of seven transmembrane proteins found on various cell types, including tumor cells. The C-C chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5), also known as CD195, along with its associated chemokines, contributes indirectly to cancer progression by modulating the tumor microenvironment and immune response.


Aim
The current study aimed to evaluate the expression of CCR5 on blast cells in AML and its relation to clinical and prognostic criteria of patients as well as postinduction response.


Patients and methods
This study included a cohort of 79 newly diagnosed AML patients. All patients underwent comprehensive history taking, clinical examination, routine laboratory investigations, and flow cytometric detection of CCR5 (CD195) on blast cells from patients’ peripheral blood or bone marrow samples. The analysis was performed using the Beckman Coulter Navios EX flow cytometer and Kaluza C software.


Results
The expression levels of CCR5 receptors, measured as the mean fluorescent intensity ratio, were significantly elevated in patient samples with intermediate and adverse risk stratification according to the European LeukemiaNet classification. Furthermore, CCR5 expression was significantly higher in patients who failed to achieve complete remission compared to those who attained composite complete remission.


Conclusion
These findings highlight the pivotal role of CCR5 in leukemogenesis and suggest its potential as both a novel prognostic marker and a promising therapeutic target in AML patients.