The overall aim of this KWF Grant is to unravel the function of
CD37, as key plasma membrane organizer in B-cells, in protection
against development of B-cell lymphoma. CD37 is a member of the
tetraspanin superfamily that coordinate the spatial organization of
surface proteins and signaling molecules in the plasma membrane.
Mice deficient for CD37 (CD37-/-) spontaneously develop B-cell
lymphoma which is dependent on constitutive IL-6 signaling. This
research provides a strong rationale for exploiting CD37 and its
downstream effectors (IL-6, STAT3) as novel therapeutic target for
B-cell malignancies.