Derivation of human T-cell leukemias.
Cell surface antigenic changes occur during the stages of T-cell ontogeny in several animal model systems. In the present study, multiple monoclonal antibodies were developed to human thymocyte and T-cell surface differentiation antigens as a means of probing T-cell ontogeny in humans. It was shown that three distinct states of human intrathymic differentiation exist and that the mature inducer (T4+) and suppressor (T5+/TH2+)T-cell subsets arise at specific points during these maturation events. Moreover, T-cell leukemias can now be related to the three stages of the thymic compartment or, alternatively, the more differentiated peripheral T-cell compartment.
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000032:analysis; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D006410:Hematopoiesis; D006801:Humans; D007945:Leukemia, Lymphoid / Q000276:immunology*; D009182:Mycosis Fungoides / Q000276:immunology; D012751:Sezary Syndrome / Q000276:immunology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000954:Antigens, Surface