文摘
Slow-growing CLL cells use lysosomal lipase to break low density lipoproteins (LDLs) into free fatty acids and cholesterol. LdL degradation products increase survival of proliferating CLL cells. LDLs decrease oxidative stress and increase plasma membrane cholesterol. LDLs amplify signaling responses to cytokines but not antigens in proliferating CLL cells. Rapidly growing CLL cells, acute leukemia cells, and normal lymphocytes do not exhibit this dependence on LDLs.