Figure 4.

Hallmarks of normal and malignant GC B cells. This scheme summarizes the key features of normal (left) and malignant (right) GC B cells. The proliferative phenotype, the propensity to tolerate DNA breaks, and mechanisms aiming to inhibit terminal differentiation represent features that are often found in GC-derived lymphomas. The sensitivity of GC to apoptosis is overcome in lymphomas by diverse mechanisms including dysregulated expression of anti-apoptotic molecules (ie, BCL2 apoptosis regulator) and enforced activation of signaling pathways that promote survival. GC = germinal center.