Tumor-associated antigen in lymph nodes during the progression of enzootic bovine leukosis

A monoclonal antibody, (MAb) c143, that recognizes a tumor-associated antigen (TAA) that is upregulated on neoplastic B cells in cattle with enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL), was used as a marker to study disease progression. Immunohistochemical examination of neoplastic tissue and lymph nodes from animals with EBL, revealed three morphologically definable stages of change in the architecture of lymph nodes associated with infiltration and proliferation of neoplastic cells: 1) presence of c143 positive cells at the marginal sinus with no apparent changes in lymph node architecture at the earliest stage of neoplastic cell accumulation, 2) presence of positive cells extending into and distorting the architecture of the lymph node with clear evidence of proliferation, and 3) presence of positive cells throughout the lymph node with total disruption of lymph node architecture. The results indicated that, at the earliest stages of EBL, neoplastic cells in peripheral blood may accumulate at the marginal sinus area and subsequently proliferate and infiltrate pressing follicles leading to the development of clinical signs of lymphosarcoma.