Autologous MHC-dependent leukaemia-reactive T lymphocytes in a patient with chronic myeloid leukaemia.
We have investigated the presence of T cells capable of recognizing autologous leukaemia cells in a patient with CML. We demonstrated that these cells were anergic to the leukaemia cells. They were estimated to be present at a frequency of 1:4000 T cells in the peripheral blood. However, following incubation with high dose rIL-2, these effector cells were able to proliferate, secrete TH1 cytokines and lyse target cells upon challenging with fresh autologous leukaemia cells. Both CD4 and CD8 T cells were involved in the proliferative responses. Moreover, the immune response was blocked by monomorphic anti-HLA antibodies, suggesting that the MHC molecules are needed by the T cells for leukaemia cell/antigen recognition. This work therefore indicates a potential reservoir of effector cells in CML patients which may be exploited for the modulation of leukaemia cell growth. It also provides evidence for a distinct T cell population capable of mediating GVL responses.
Coleman
S
S
Department of Haematology, University of Wales College of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK.
Fisher
J
J
Hoy
T
T
Burnett
A K
AK
Lim
S H
SH
D015551:Autoimmunity; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D003602:Cytotoxicity, Immunologic; D006801:Humans; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000096:biosynthesis; D015464:Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive / Q000276:immunology*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D007959:Lymphocyte Culture Test, Mixed; D008285:Major Histocompatibility Complex / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*
D007371:Interferon-gamma