Evaluation of CD200 marker variations and its correlation with clinicopathological features of chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients: a case-control study.

Abstract

Given its strong correlation with disease progression and risk stratification, CD200 has emerged as a pivotal biomarker in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Elevated CD200 expression, strongly linked to CLL progression, underscores its diagnostic and therapeutic potential. In this case-control study, we evaluated CD200 expression levels in CLL patients and analyzed their correlation with key clinicopathological features, investigating its potential as a critical biomarker for diagnosis and follow-up strategies. Peripheral blood samples from 27 CLL patients and five healthy individuals were stained by fluorochrome-conjugated antibodies against CD19 and CD200 markers, followed by flow cytometry. Data analysis compared CD200 expression levels among CLL patients at four stages and in the healthy control group. CD200 expression levels in CLL patients' lymphocytes significantly exceeded those observed in the healthy control group (P < 0.0001). Within the patient group, expression levels progressively increased from low-risk to high-risk classifications, with statistically significant differences between each category (P < 0.0001). Furthermore, a strong positive association was identified between CD200 expression and disease clinical stage (r = 0.758, P < 0.0001), WBC count (r = 0.705, P < 0.0001), and lymphocyte percentage (r = 0.544, P = 0.009). Conversely, a strong inverse correlation was observed with neutrophil count (r =  - 0.55, P = 0.008). Overall, CD200 assessment may serve as a valuable prognostic marker in CLL, providing insight into disease progression and aiding in treatment monitoring.