Using whole-transcriptome sequencing, this paper identifies recurrent gene translocations in B-cell lymphomas that involve the MHC class II transactivator CIITA. These translocations lead to downregulation of cell surface HLA class II expression and, in the case of some fusion partners, overexpression of CD274/CD273 ligands, which have the potential to reduce the antitumour response against these lymphomas.
- Christian Steidl
- Sohrab P. Shah
- Randy D. Gascoyne