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T and B lymphocyte antigen-positive null cell leukemias
Blood
|March 1, 1977
Summary
Null cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) subtypes were investigated. Some null cell ALL cases express T cell antigens, suggesting a T cell origin, while others express B cell antigens, indicating potential B cell precursor or stem cell origins.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Hematology
- Oncology
Background:
- Null cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) classification remains challenging.
- Distinguishing between T cell and B cell lineages in ALL is crucial for prognosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the immunophenotype of null cell ALL.
- To determine the lineage relationship of null cell ALL to T cell ALL and B cell ALL.
Main Methods:
- Testing leukemic blasts for T and B lymphocyte antigens using specific antisera.
- Utilizing reciprocally absorbed rabbit antisera against autologous T and B lymphoblast cell lines (HSB-2 and SB).
Main Results:
- Four of four T cell leukemia patients' blasts expressed T cell antigens.
- Two of ten null cell leukemia patients' blasts expressed T cell antigens.
- Eight of ten null cell leukemia patients' blasts expressed B cell antigens, as did one B cell leukemia and three acute myelogenous leukemia patients.
Conclusions:
- Null cell ALL expressing T cell antigens likely represents a subtype of T cell ALL.
- Null cell leukemia expressing B cell antigens may originate from immature B cell precursors or multipotential stem cells.