Increased Expression of Delta-like Ligand 4 in Mycosis Fungoides

In many malignancies, dysregulation of the Notch pathways, composed of 4 Notch receptors (Notch1–4) and 5 Notch ligands (Jagged1–2, Delta-like ligand-1, 3–4), is associated with their development. In mycosis fungoides, interaction between Notch1 and Jagged1 is known to activate the Notch pathways and promote the proliferation of tumour cells. However, the involvement of other Notch ligands has not been reported. This study investigated the roles of Delta-like ligand 4 in mycosis fungoides. Delta-like ligand 4 mRNA levels in lesional skin of patients with mycosis fungoides were significantly elevated compared with those of normal controls, and correlated with disease-specific mortality. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated prominent expression of Delta-like ligand 4 on vascular endothelial cells and tumour cells in mycosis fungoides lesional skin. In addition, Delta-like ligand 4 augmented the proliferation of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma cell lines. These results suggest that enhanced Delta-like ligand 4 expression may contribute directly to the progression of mycosis fungoides through proliferating tumour cells.