Appearance of the T-cell marker CD8 on B chronic lymphatic leukemia cells in long-term cultures

Abstract
Long-term cultures of highly purified B chronic lymphatic leukemia cells (B-CLL), were established. The B-CLL lymphocytes acquired the CD8 T cell marker in long-term cultures while still retaining their surface immunoglobulins. In confirmation of previous results, the cultured B-CLL lymphocytes released factor(s) into the culture medium that suppressed the allogeneic mixed-lymphocyte reaction. No correlation was found between the appearance of the CD8 T cell surface marker and onset of suppressor activity.