[Expression of beta 2 integrins and L-selectin on CML cells after treatment with IFN-alpha and allo-bone marrow transplantation].

OBJECTIVE

To study the expression of L-selectin, Mac-1, LFA-1 on CML progenitor cells in relation to CML progression and therapeutic effect.

METHODS

The expression of adhesion molecules (LFA-1, Mac-1, L-selectin) on bone marrow CD34+ cells from 34 CML patients were analyzed by three-color flow cytometry.

RESULTS

The mean percentage of expression of L-selectin, and LFA-1 on CD34+ CD38-(-)+ cells from untreated CML patients was significantly lower than that from normal controls. Among 8 CML patients treated with IFN-alpha, the expression of L-selectin and LFA-1 on CD34+ CD38- cell (37.6 +/- 5.3%, 42.1 +/- 13.1%) was comparable to that from normal controls (38.2 +/- 9.4%, 48.2 +/- 12.2%). L-selectin expression in CD34+ CD38- cells from CML patients was inversely correlated with the percentage of Ph'(+) cells. In 2 CML patients treated with allo-bone marrow transplantation, the expression rate of L-selectin, IFA-1 and Mac-1 on CD38+ CD38- cells was comparable to that from normal controls.

CONCLUSION

The data suggest that decreased expression of L-selectin and LFA-1 in CML CD34+ cells reflects one of the features of malignant CML progenitors. IFN-alpha and allo-BMT restore the expression of Mac-1, L-selectin and LFA-1 to normal on CML CD34+ cells.