An unusual variant of T-CLL: evidence for the existence of a hitherto unrecognized T cell subset.
A case of T-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (T-CLL) with an unusual mature membrane phenotype: E+, CD3+, CD4+, CD8-, M1+, Leu-15+, Fc gamma+, is described. The cells were large granular lymphocytes with slight immature features. Functionally these cells lacked helper, suppressor and NK activity but possessed normal levels of K activity. These findings demonstrate several features not previously described in T-CLL: the coexpression of the antigens detected by T4, M1 and Leu-15 the presence of Fc gamma receptors on CD4+ lymphocytes and the lack of NK activity in M1+, Fc gamma+ cells. This study broadens the known heterogeneity of T-CLL and suggests the existence of a hitherto unrecognized normal T-lymphocyte subset with the same functional and phenotypic characteristics as in the case described here.
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm / Q000032:analysis; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007945:Leukemia, Lymphoid / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000145:classification* / Q000276:immunology
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D000954:Antigens, Surface