Rapid induction of CD38 antigen on myeloid leukemia cells by all trans-retinoic acid

The CD38 or T10 molecule is one of the least understood differentiation antigens. Virtually no information is available on the regulation and functions of CD38 antigen in hematopoietic cells. Using human promyelocytic leukemia cells, we demonstrate that all trans-retinoic acid is a potent and specific inducer of CD38 expression in myeloid lineage. At physiological doses, all trans-retinoic acid induces significant levels (8 to 10-fold) of CD38. Similarly, in patients with promyelocytic leukemia, a significant increase (3 to 6-fold) in CD38 expression was observed in vivo following single oral dose administration of all trans-retinoic acid. The induction of CD38 is a specific response of myeloid cells to retinoic acid and is not seen with other agents that induce differentiation. We believe that the induction of CD38 antigen is an early event in retinoid-regulated gene expression in normal and transformed myeloid cells.