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Extracellular idiotypic immunoglobulin arising from human leukemic B lymphocytes
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|December 1, 1980
Summary
Patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) commonly export small amounts of their unique immunoglobulin (Ig) from neoplastic B lymphocytes. This idiotypic Ig export, including IgM and sometimes IgD, is a frequent occurrence in CLL.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Hematology
- Oncology
Background:
- Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a B-cell malignancy characterized by the accumulation of neoplastic lymphocytes.
- The secretory function of these malignant B cells, particularly regarding immunoglobulin (Ig) production, is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the export of immunoglobulins by peripheral blood lymphocytes from patients with typical chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
- To characterize the nature and quantity of exported Ig and its relationship to cell surface Ig and serum Ig levels.
Main Methods:
- Radioimmunoassay was used to quantify pentameric IgM and monomeric IgD exported by cultured CLL cells.
- Anti-idiotypic antibodies were employed to confirm the idiotypic nature of exported Ig and to measure idiotypic Ig in patient sera.
Main Results:
- All nine CLL patients' lymphocytes exported small amounts of pentameric IgM; three also exported monomeric IgD.
- Surface immunoglobulin turnover did not significantly contribute to secreted Ig, except possibly via vesicles.
- In three patients, exported Ig was confirmed as idiotypic, and represented a significant proportion (43-96%) of depressed serum IgM.
Conclusions:
- The export of small amounts of idiotypic immunoglobulin by neoplastic B lymphocytes is a common or usual occurrence in typical chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
- This finding suggests a potential role for Ig export in the biology or monitoring of CLL.