Possible origin of the Reed-Sternberg cell from an interdigitating reticulum cell

In a comparative immunologic and cytochemical analysis, Reed-Sternberg (RS) cells from seven patients with Hodgkin's disease were found to more closely resemble interdigitating reticulum cells (IDC) than normal or malignant histiocytic reticulum cells (macrophages); malignant macrophages were established as a cell line from a patient with malignant histiocytosis. RS cells and IDC both showed strong expression of human Ia-like antigens, a close physical association with helper/inducer T cells, and a lack of at least two common macrophage antigens. Supportive evidence of the identity of RS cells and IDC was their lack of lymphoid and myeloid characteristics smaller content of nonspecific esterase and acid phosphatase than that in histiocytes, similar cytology, and location in thymic-dependent regions of lymphoid tissues. Malignant transformation of the IDC to an RS cell could result in diminished antigen-presenting capacity and contribute to the defect in T-cell-mediated immunity that commonly occurs in Hodgkin's disease.