NF-κB dependent activation of human endothelial cells treated with soluble products derived from human lymphomas

Nuclear factor of the Immunoglobulin Kappa chain of B cells (NF-κB) activation is an early event during cytokine-mediated endothelial activation related to increased adhesion of leucocytes. We report that soluble products secreted by two human lymphomas activate NF-κB, and increase the ability of endothelial cells to adhere U937 cells in vitro. Analysis of the tumor-derived products revealed the absence of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β. Interference of NF-κB activation prevented the increase in U937 cell adhesion, suggesting a potential role for endothelial NF-κB activation in the establishment of physical interactions between the vascular endothelium and tumor cells.