The B cell IgM Fc receptor: further evidence for the B cell origin of
"null" chronic lymphocytic leukemia
RA Rudders and PA Poldre
Fifty-three cases of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) were studied for
the presence of the B cell IgM Fc receptor (Fc microR) using an aggregated
IgM reagent. Restricted surface immunoglobulin, using conventional
immunofluorescent techniques and FACS analysis, was detected in 43 cases
(81%). The cells in the remaining ten cases (19%) expressed negligible
surface immunoglobulin (slg-) and did not form E rosettes (E-), but this
"null" subset clearly expressed the B cell Fc microR. The coincident
membrane expression of the B1 antigen and the la- like antigen, as well as
serial studies showing surface membrane light chain acquisition (in one
patient), provided additional evidence for the B cell origin of this slg-E-
subset. This subgroup of CLL appears to correspond phenotypically to a
normal counterpart at a stage of B cell differentiation between the pre-B
cell and the slgM+ early B cell. The B cell Fc microR appears to be a
consistent and potentially useful marker for sl gE ("null") CLL.
Volume 64,
Issue 2,
pp. 375-379,
08/01/1984
Copyright © 1984 by The American Society of Hematology
