CHRONIC LYMPHOCYTIC-LEUKEMIA PROGENITOR CELLS CARRY THE ANTIGENS T65, BA-1, AND IA

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  • 1 January 1983
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 61  (5) , 871-875
Abstract
CLL [chronic lymphocytic leukemia] B cells may be induced to form B-cell colonies in vitro. Colonies formed are monoclonal and appear to reflect the circulating malignant B-cell clone in vitro. Using hybridoma-produced monoclonal antibodies (MAB) and an in vitro B-cell colony assay, a characterization of the antigenic phenotype of the clonogenic CLL B cell was provided. B-cell colony growth in both patients and normals was not altered by prior incubation with either MAB or complement (C'') alone. CLL B-cell colony formation was markedly reduced after treatment with T101 and C'', while normal colonies were unaffected (8 .+-. 2 vs. 107 .+-. 10). None of the residual CLL B-cell colonies after T-101 and C'' treatment reacted with T-101. BA-1 and Ia reactivity were still seen in residual CLL B-cell colonies following T-101 treatment. A similar percentage reduction of B-cell colony growth was seen for both normals and CLL patients following treatment with BA-1 (76 vs. 81%) and Q5/13 (89 vs. 92%). The CLL progenitor cell is characterized by the phenotype Ia+, BA-1+, T-101+. Better definition of the CLL progenitor cell has potential implications with regards to clinical utilization of MAB in the treatment of CLL.