However, CXCR4 expression in primary ALL samples did not correlate to CNS disease, indicating that CXCR4-driven CNS invasion across the BCSFB might be a general property of pediatric ALL.
Overexpression of the cell-surface chemokine receptorCXCR4 is associated with poor outcome in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Wider recognition of the role of CXCR4 in ALL and manipulation of this important mechanism may lead to novel approaches in the treatment and outcome of this disease.
An inhibitory antibody to CXCR4 was able to block the migration of NALM-6 cells into BMF monolayers grown on plastic by 51%, and in nine cases of ALL by 8-40%, as well as partially inhibit transmigration of leukemic cells through BMF layers along an SDF-1 concentration gradient.