Ph1-positive CML-derived myeloid-monocytoid precursor cell line producing substance(s) that stimulates normal CFU-C.

A new Ph1-chromosome positive cell line, KOPM-28. was established from a patient with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) in blast crisis. KOPM-28 cells were phenotypically immature: without azurophilic granules; negative for myeloperoxidase and positive for specific and nonspecific esterases. The nonspecific esterase reaction was intensified by TPA, and retinoic acid reinforced the specific esterase reaction without inducing morphological changes. KOPM-28 cells were not phagocytic. The cells expressed complement receptors, myeloid-monocytoid antigens, an Ia-like antigen and T4 antigen. CALLA, T-lymphocyte specific antigens, B-lymphocyte related antigen and platelet-megakaryocyte-megakaryoblast specific antigen were not detected. KOPM-28 cells formed colonies in semi-solid medium; this ability was augmented by GM-CSA. The addition of culture medium conditioned by KOPM-28 cells to normal bone marrow cells resulted in the increase of the CFU-C colonies. These findings indicate that KOPM-28 cells have features of myeloid and monocytoid precursor cells and that they are producing substance(s) which stimulates normal CFU-C.