Decreased expression of complement receptor type 2 (CR2) on neoplastic B cells of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

Neoplastic cells from 49 patients with B cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (B-CLL) were studied and compared with normal peripheral and tonsillar B cells using CD21 monoclonal antibodies. Membrane expression of CR2 was quantified by calibrated flow cytometry and by binding analysis with radiolabelled antibody. Both assays indicate that B-CLL cells express only 30% of the CR2 found on normal B cells. These findings are further evidence of the aberrant phenotype of B-CLL cells.