SURFACE MARKERS AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS OF LYMPHOCYTE IN CHRONIC LYMPHOCYTIC LEUKEMIA

  • 1 January 1976
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 12  (4-5) , 304-324
Abstract
The vast majority of human leukemic cells bear surface Ig [immunoglobulin]. The class restriction of this surface Ig and other characteristics described for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are considered as evidence for the monoclonality of the neoplastic proliferation. Different CLL cases with various expressions of surface Ig represent various degrees of block in the maturation of the lymphocytes. Through the use of other cell markers, most cases of CLL represent B [bone marrow-derived] cell neoplasia. Variations in the expression of the various B cell markers on the leukemic cells were observed. One case in which the leukemic cells were T [thymus-derived] cell in character, and a single case of mixed B and T CLL, are described. The significance of sheep red blood cell rosette-forming cells in CLL is discussed. Scanning EM (SEM) can be a useful adjunct to the identification of B- and T-derived lymphocytes. According to these criteria, leukemic cells are of the B type, although variations in their surface architecture were noted. SEM alone cannot consistently distinguish between leukemic B and T cells. EM studies of mitogen-transformed CLL lymphocytes suggest that there is a residual normal B and T population of cells in addition to the predominant, abnormally reacting cells, which are of B origin. Antigenic changes on the surface of CLL lymphocytes are suggestive of normal antigens present on young normal lymphocytes, rather than of the emergence of truly tumor specific antigens. These antigens are independent of the T or B origin of the leukemia. CLL lymphocytes are shown to be defective in their ability to form caps with concanavalin A and anti-HL-A sera, and in their osmotic regulatory capacity.

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