Migratory capacity of large granular lymphocytes from T-gamma-lymphoproliferative disorders

We have investigated 10 patients with T gamma-lymphoproliferative disorders (T gamma LPD) for cell migratory capacity. Large granular lymphocytes (LGLs) expanding in these subjects expressed natural killer cell markers (HNKI, B73.1, AB8.28, N901, OKM1) to a variable extent. The patients' LGLs mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, while appreciable natural killer activity was only measurable in 3 patients. The migratory capacity of T gamma LPD was examined by using nitrocellulose filters. The patients' LGLs migrated into filters and showed responsiveness (in 9 of 10 patients) to activated serum, used as chemoattractant, as normal LGLs do. No clearcut correlation emerged between in vitro migratory capacity and disease aggressiveness or involvement of abdominal organs. These results confirm in T gamma LPD the migratory potential of LGLs and suggest the possibility that acquisition of enhanced locomotor capacity is not a crucial determinant of disease aggressiveness in T gamma LPD.