title: Transformation of human leukocytes by co-cultivation with HTLV-1-associated myelopathy patients' leukocytes.
abstract: Sera and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from patients with human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1)-associated myelopathy (HAM) were analyzed by Western blotting, and normal human leukocytes were transformed by co-cultivation with HAM patients' leukocytes. The sera and CSF from all HAM patients formed specific bands with HTLV-1 viral proteins, including p19, p24, p28, p32, p40 and p53. After 2-3 weeks of co-cultivation, scattered foci of cell aggregates were noted on macrophage sheets. Surface markers of the transformed cells were OKT3(+), OKT4(+), OKT8(-), IL-2 receptor(+) and EBNA(-). Chromosome analysis showed a normal karyotype. HTLV-1 viral genome was integrated into DNA isolated from transformed cell lines. Electron microscopy revealed type C virus particles in transformed T-cell lines. These results indicate that peripheral leukocytes from HAM patients can transform HTLV-1-negative leukocytes and HAM patients have the potential to acquire adult T-cell leukemia in the future.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000032:analysis; D002472:Cell Transformation, Viral; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D017977:Deltaretrovirus / Q000235:genetics / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006800:Deltaretrovirus Infections / Q000097:blood* / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid; D005260:Female; D005814:Genes, Viral; D006801:Humans; D007621:Karyotyping; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008875:Middle Aged; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D014764:Viral Proteins / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D000954:Antigens, Surface; D014764:Viral Proteins