Poor Mixed Lymphocyte Reaction Stimulatory Capacity of Leukemic B Cells of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Patients Despite the Presence of Ia Antigens

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Abstract

The human Ia-like antigens, selectively expressed on B lymphocytes, are now recognized to be closely associated with, or identical to, the gene products of the major histocompatibility complex responsible for stimulation in the mixed lymphocyte reaction. The leukemic B lymphocytes of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia express these antigens very well. In the present study they were readily detected by several techniques utilizing both allo- and heteroantisera. However, the leukemic B cells from most patients were found to be extremely poor stimulating cells in the mixed lymphocyte reaction. This was particularly apparent when comparisons were made on a B-cell basis with isolated normal B lymphocytes.

Authors

James P. Halper, Shu Man Fu, Alice B. Gottlieb, Robert J. Winchester, Henry G. Kunkel