Monoclonal B-cell Lymphocytosis – a review of diagnostic criteria, biology, natural history, and clinical management

Abstract

Since first described almost two decades ago, there has been significant evolution in our definition and understanding of the biology and implications of monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL). This review provides an overview of the definition, classification, biology, and natural history of MBL, mainly focused on the dominant CLL-like phenotype form of MBL. The increasingly recognized implications of MBL with respect to immune dysfunction are discussed, particularly in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, along with management recommendations for MBL in the clinic.

Keywords:

• Monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis
• chronic lymphocytic leukemia
• immune dysfunction
• COVID-19

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.