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Macrophage-inflammatory protein-1alpha receptor expression on normal and chronic myeloid leukemia CD34+ cells

S E Nicholls1, G Lucas, G J Graham

  • 1Leukemia Research Fund Cellular Development Unit, University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST), Manchester, United Kingdom.

Insights

Normal bone marrow and chronic myeloid leukemia CD34+ cells show limited macrophage-inflammatory protein-1alpha (MIP-1alpha) surface binding sites. Reduced MIP-1alpha receptor expression on CML cells may explain their diminished response to this chemokine.

Area of Science:

  • Hematology
  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • CD34+ cells are crucial hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells.
  • Macrophage-inflammatory protein-1alpha (MIP-1alpha) is a chemokine involved in cell regulation.
  • Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is characterized by aberrant cell proliferation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate MIP-1alpha binding site expression on CD34+ cells from normal bone marrow (NBM) and CML.
  • To determine the role of MIP-1alpha receptor expression in CML pathophysiology.
  • To assess the potential of CD34+ cells as targets for HIV-1 infection via CCR5.

Main Methods:

  • Flow cytometry was used to assess MIP-1alpha binding sites on CD34+ cells.
  • Phenotypic characterization of receptor-bearing cells was performed using Thy-1 antigen.
  • Antibodies against CCR5 were used to evaluate HIV-1 receptor expression.

Main Results:

  • A small subpopulation of CD34+ cells in NBM and CML expressed MIP-1alpha surface binding sites.
  • These receptor-bearing cells were identified as committed progenitors (Thy-1 negative).
  • Significantly higher percentage of MIP-1alpha-R+ cells were found in NBM compared to CML, suggesting impaired chemokine response in CML.
  • Very few CD34+ cells expressed CCR5, primarily on CD34+ Thy- progenitors.

Conclusions:

  • MIP-1alpha binding sites are not constitutively expressed on most primitive multipotent stem cells.
  • Reduced MIP-1alpha receptor expression on CML CD34+ cells may contribute to their altered response to this chemokine.
  • Resting primitive multipotent cells are unlikely targets for HIV-1 infection through CCR5.

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