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T cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia with suppressor phenotype
Clinical and Experimental Immunology
|August 1, 1982
Summary
Peripheral blood cells in T cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia exhibit a T suppressor phenotype. These cells show impaired response to PHA stimulation but intact allogeneic responsiveness, suggesting a specific functional defect.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Hematology
- Oncology
Background:
- Investigating the surface marker and functional characteristics of peripheral blood cells in T cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
- Understanding the specific T lymphocyte subset involved in the disease pathology.
Observation:
- Peripheral blood cells showed T suppressor phenotype markers (OKT8+, DR+).
- Eighty-91% formed sheep red blood cell (SRBC) rosettes, and 22-49% possessed Fc receptors.
- Reduced response to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) stimulation was observed.
Findings:
- Allogeneic responsiveness in mixed leukocyte culture (MLC) was intact.
- Impaired Concanavalin A (Con A)-induced suppressor activity in MLC was noted.
- Enhanced suppression of in vitro immunoglobulin synthesis was demonstrated.
Implications:
- The leukaemic cells likely originate from T lymphocytes regulating immunoglobulin synthesis, not those mediating mitogenic responses.
- This finding clarifies the specific functional deficit in T-cell CLL.
- Highlights potential therapeutic targets within specific T-cell subsets.