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T lymphocyte subpopulations in chronic lymphocytic leukemia of B cell type in relation to immunoglobulin isotype(s) on the leukemic clone and to clinical features
Author(s) -
Kimby E.,
Mellstedt H.,
Nilsson B.,
Björkholm M.,
Holm G.
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
european journal of haematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.904
H-Index - 84
eISSN - 1600-0609
pISSN - 0902-4441
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0609.1987.tb01174.x
Subject(s) - clone (java method) , isotype , chronic lymphocytic leukemia , immunology , concomitant , antibody , lymphocyte , medicine , leukemia , biology , monoclonal antibody , genetics , gene
Total blood T lymphocytes and subpopulations (OKT4 + and OKT8 + cells) were studied in 59 patients with B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B‐CLL). In 48 previously untreated patients, total T lymphocytes were higher as compared to healthy controls (p < 0.001). T‐cells and OKT8 + cells were significantly increased in patients in advanced clinical stage and with progressive disease in comparison to patients with low stage and indolent disease. High numbers of OKT8 + lymphocytes were also seen in patients with a dominance of μ heavy chains on the leukemic clone. Moreover, in this patient group the OKT8 + subpopulation correlated with total B cells (r = 0.68, p < 0.001) while in patients with a μδ phenotype no such correlation was seen. After successful cytostatic therapy there was a reduction in total numbers of both OKT4 + and OKT8 + cells, in particular, with a concomitant increase in OKT4/OKT8 ratios.