Structure and diversification of immunoglobulin genes in African Burkitt lymphoma.

The article by Lombardo and colleagues described high throughput sequencing of the immunoglobulin (Ig) heavy and light chain genes from African Burkitt lymphomas (BLs). On the basis of their analysis and, in particular, because of the frequent lack of detection of Ig DHJH or VHDHJH rearrangements on the nonexpressed Ig heavy (IgH) chain allele, as well as ongoing mutation on the nonexpressed allele, the authors conclude that BLs derive from an abnormal B-cell progenitor.