Circulating lymphocytes bearing DR antigens in human melanoma

B cell DR antigens were studied with lymphocyte markers in the peripheral blood of 62 staged melanoma patients and 37 normal individuals matched for age and sex. 47 patients had early disease (31 in stage I; 16 in stage II) and 15 had advanced disease (stage III). Phagocytic cells were removed prior to testing. Specific rabbit antisera and monoclonal antibodies to purified human B cell DR and Fc molecules were used for detection of membrane immunofluorescence. Mild declines of total lymphocytes and of E-rosetting T cells were observed in comparing early to late disease. The drop of Ig(+) B cells was more striking. DR(+) cells, however, showed no change in percentage and a lesser drop in absolute numbers, suggesting an increase with advancing disease of DR(+), Ig(-) null cells, which may represent immature B cell precursors. Fc(+) cells increased markedly in 14 patients who received levamisole, with little effect on the markers. Elevations of OKT4/OKT8 ratios were seen with a relative reduction in OKT8 cells, especially in late disease. These changes in lymphocyte subpopulations may reflect imbalance between the B and T arms from deranged immune regulation caused by chronic antigenic stimulation from progressively growing tumor. In addition to T cell suppression there is B cell hyperactivity with appearance of immature forms peripherally (shift to left).