Physical contact with endothelial cells through 1- and 2- integrins rescues chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells from spontaneous and drug-induced apoptosis and induces a peculiar gene expression profile in leukemic cells

Abstract

Our study supports the notion that endothelial cells are major players in the chronic lymphocytic leukemia microenvironment. Adhesion to endothelium strongly supports survival, protects from drug-induced apoptosis and extensively modifies the gene expression profile of leukemic cells.