Proteomic analysis of B-cell receptor signaling in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia reveals a possible role for kininogen

We have identified the upregulation of LMWK upon BCR stimulation of CLL samples. There is no previous published research to suggest a link between kininogen and normal B-cells or CLL cells. In 52 unselected CLL samples, 71% demonstrated basal LMWK expression. There was a trend towards shorter median survival in LMWK positive cases. The absence of LMWK protein expression on normal B-cells suggests that this could be a biomarker for CLL and further research should be undertaken.