Granulocytes and cultured human fibroblasts express common acute
lymphoblastic leukemia-associated antigens
MP Braun, PJ Martin, JA Ledbetter and JA Hansen
We have investigated the expression of the common acute lymphoblastic
leukemia antigen (cALLA) by nonlymphoid cells, using a new murine
monoclonal antibody (designated 24.1), specific for cALLA. This antibody
completely blocks the binding of monoclonal anti-cALLA antibody J-5.
Furthermore, antibody 24.1 binds to cALLA with greater affinity and induces
a greater degree of antigenic modulation than antibody J-5. With antibody
24.1, we have demonstrated that normal cultured marrow and skin fibroblasts
and mature granulocytes express cALLA. By immune precipitation and
polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, cALLA from fibroblasts has a slightly
lower molecular weight and cALLA from granulocytes a slightly higher
molecular weight than cALLA from cultured human leukemic cell lines.
Quantitative studies indicate, however, that cALLA expression is
approximately 3-fold and 20-fold lower, respectively, on normal
granulocytes and skin fibroblasts than on NALM-6 cells. cALLA may be
expressed by cells with widespread distribution in multiple organ systems.
These findings emphasize that differentiation markers that appear to be
tumor or tissue specific may be found on cells of diverse origin.
Volume 61,
Issue 4,
pp. 718-725,
04/01/1983
Copyright © 1983 by The American Society of Hematology
