Alemtuzumab is used in B cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. Its molecular target and a characteristic clinical limitation are:
- A CD30 on Reed-Sternberg cells, with peripheral neuropathy as the dose-limiting toxicity
- B CD52 on mature lymphocytes, with profound and prolonged immunosuppression including opportunistic infection ✓
- C CCR4 on T cell lymphoma cells, with severe toxic epidermal necrolysis
- D CD38 on plasma cells, with interference in routine blood crossmatching
Correct answer: B. CD52 on mature lymphocytes, with profound and prolonged immunosuppression including opportunistic infection
Explanation
Alemtuzumab targets CD52, present on virtually all mature T and A lymphocytes but absent from haematopoietic stem cells, producing deep and long-lasting lymphodepletion with risk of CMV reactivation, Pneumocystis pneumonia and secondary autoimmunity. CD30 with neuropathy describes brentuximab vedotin, and CD38 with crossmatch interference describes daratumumab, so both distractors belong to other antibodies.
Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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