The influential T cell in B-cell neoplasms.
Investigations of human B-cell malignancies have generally focused on the monoclonal B-cell populations. Until recently there has been little emphasis on the thymus (T) lymphocyte in these disorders. Current studies, however, suggest that quantitative and qualitative disorders of T cells are generally seen both in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and in multiple myeloma. This review will focus on two major concepts. First, it will define the quantitative and functional T-cell abnormalities in B-cell malignancies including evidence suggesting a causal link between the T-cell abnormalities and certain observed disease manifestations in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and multiple myeloma. Secondly, it will review data demonstrating that these T cells may be influenced by in vivo and in vitro manipulations and will outline some of the possible resultant clinical effects.
D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology; D007945:Leukemia, Lymphoid / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000276:immunology*; D013154:Spleen / Q000528:radiation effects; D013156:Splenectomy; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000276:immunology; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000276:immunology; D013947:Thymosin / Q000494:pharmacology
D013947:Thymosin