Function of lymphocyte subpopulations in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Activity in the allogeneic and autologous mixed lymphocyte reaction

Abstract

Lymphocyte subpopulations from patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and from normal age-matched controls were evaluated for their ability to participate in allogeneic and autologous mixed lymphocyte reactions (MLR). Unfractionated and T enriched lymphocyte populations from normal age-matched controls responded well to allogeneic stimulation. T enriched lymphocytes from patients will CLL also responded to allogeneic lymphocytes. B enriched lymphocytes from normal age-matched individuals produced a stronger stimulus in the allogeneic MLR than did unfractionated mononuclear cell populations. Unfractionated and B enriched lymphocyte subpopulations from patients with CLL were poor stimulators in the allogeneic MLR. In normal age-matched controls T enriched lymphocyte subpopulations were able to respond to autologous B enriched lymphocytes. Autologous mixed lymphocyte cultures from patients with CLL failed to demonstrate any activity.