Possible disorder of B-cell-related surveillance and malignant lymphoma of the thyroid.

Malignant lymphoma of the thyroid has been shown to be of B-cell origin. To clarify its genetic origin, we have investigated HLA-A, B, C, and DR antigens, and the immunoglobulin G (IgG) heavy-chain allotype, Gm, in such patients. There was no correlation between the occurrence of malignant lymphoma of the thyroid and the HLA antigens tested, but patients with this lymphoma has significantly lower frequency of the Gm haplotype than healthy persons. These results suggested a disorder of surveillance related to B-cells may be involved in the pathogenesis of malignant lymphoma of the thyroid