FLT3 ligand in acute myeloid leukemia: a simple test with deep implications

Abstract

In contrast to Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3), the influence of FLT3 ligand (FLT3L) on acute myeloid leukemia (AML) biology and disease prognosis has been poorly described. Here we provide an overview of the role played by FLT3L in AML. While being a cytokine implicated in the regulation of hematopoiesis, both in normal situation and after intensive chemotherapy, FLT3L has also a role in enhancing proliferation, inhibiting apoptosis and conferring resistance to FLT3 inhibitors in AML.Moreover, recent independent data show how its measurement may be helpful in the disease management. Indeed, FLT3L could provide a low cost, rapid and non-invasive assessment of chemosensitivity and blast clearance that has robust prognostic significance for patients with AML.

The Kinetics of FMS-Related Tyrosine Kinase 3 Ligand (Flt-3L) during Chemoradiotherapy Suggests a Potential Gain from the Earlier Initiation of Immunotherapy

“…The FMS-related tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (Flt-3L) is a transmembrane protein that can be secreted as a soluble protein [ 7 , 8 ]. It is an important regulator of hematopoiesis and has a pivotal role in dendric cell activation [ 7 , 8 ].…”

“…The FMS-related tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (Flt-3L) is a transmembrane protein that can be secreted as a soluble protein [ 7 , 8 ]. It is an important regulator of hematopoiesis and has a pivotal role in dendric cell activation [ 7 , 8 ]. Flt-3L acts through the FMS-related tyrosine kinase 3(Flt-3) present on the multipotent progenitors and common lymphoid progenitors as their growth factor but not on mature cells, apart from DC [ 2 ].…”

Role of Novel Inflammatory Factors in Central Retinal Vein Occlusion with Macular Edema

“…We identified the four novel inflammatory factors as possibly involved in macular edema: FMS-related tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (Flt-3L), fractalkine, CXC chemokine ligand 16 (CXCL-16), and endocan-1. Flt-3L, a transmembrane protein, can also take the form of a soluble protein [12,13]. As a cytokine, it is involved in the differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells and their mobilization.…”

“…As a cytokine, it is involved in the differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells and their mobilization. Flt-3L also regulates hematopoiesis and activates dendrites [12,13]. In addition, it causes lymphocyte proliferation [14].…”