Phenotypical heterogeneity of Japanese adult T-cell leukaemia

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Abstract
The leukemic cells of 11 patients with Japanese adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) were characterized in terms of phenotype employing various monoclonal antibodies against T-cell surface antigens. The leukemic cells of all ATL patients except patients no. 11 displayed the phenotype OKT4+/OKT8-. The % of OKT3- cells varied from 3-98. In 1 case, cells with phenotype OKT4+/OKT8+, which is characteristic of T-cells at an early stage of differentiation, were found. Some ATL cells may be in an immature differentiation stage. Among the 11 patients, 2 with unusual ATL cell phenotypes (1 case with OKT3- cells and 1 case with Ia+/EAC+ cells) showed spontaneous regression of leukemic cells. Characterization of leukemic cells from a larger number of ATL patients may demonstrate a significant relationship between cell phenotype and prognosis.