AP-1 family transcription factors: a diverse family of proteins that regulate varied cellular activities in classical hodgkin lymphoma and ALK plus ALCL

Classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) and anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive, anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALK+ ALCL) are B and T cell lymphomas respectively, which express the tumour necrosis factor receptor superfamily member, CD30. Another feature shared by cHL and ALK+ ALCL is the aberrant expression of multiple members of the activator protein-1 (AP-1) family of transcription factors which includes proteins of the Jun, Fos, ATF, and Maf subfamilies. In this review, we highlight the varied roles these proteins play in the pathobiology of these lymphomas including promoting proliferation, suppressing apoptosis, and evading the host immune response. In addition, we discuss factors contributing to the elevated expression of these transcription factors in cHL and ALK+ ALCL. Finally, we examine therapeutic strategies for these lymphomas that exploit AP-1 transcriptional targets or the signalling pathways they regulate.

Automated summary

Classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) and anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive, anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALK+ ALCL) are B and T cell lymphomas that express CD30 and show aberrant expression of AP-1 family of transcription factors. These proteins play various roles in promoting proliferation, suppressing apoptosis, and evading host immune response. Therapeutic strategies targeting AP-1 transcriptional targets or the signaling pathways they regulate are being explored for the treatment of these lymphomas.