Altered function and membrane properties of lymphocytic leukemia cells. Correlation with clinical stage of disease.

Lymphocytes from the peripheral blood of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) were examined for the presence of several recognized surface receptors [immunoglobulins, C3 component of complement, and concanavalin A (Con A)] and for structural changes in membrane distribution and dynamics, such as mobility and capping. There appeared to be a general decrease in the mobility of the various receptors on the surface membranes of CLL cells as compared with normal lymphocytes. Although C3 receptors were present on the majority of CLL cells, only a small proportion of the cells formed EAC rosettes. The response to phytohemagglutinin (PHA), Con A and pokeweed mitogen (PWM) confirmed previous observations that CLL cells respond poorly to the B cell mitogen, PWM, and that this response is significantly lower than that to the T cell mitogens, PHA and Con A. The decrease in response to all three mitogens seemed to correlate with the clinical stage of the disease, and it appears that Stage II cases may constitute a heterogeneous group of patients in this respect. A differential response to reduced concentrations of PHA was observed in CLL lymphocytes, but not with normal cells. The data concerning B and T cell function in CLL cells, as determined by the transformation and rosetting capacity of these cells, suggest a general decrease in function, which apparently deteriorates with progression of the disease.