The E rosette-associated antigen of T cells can be identified on blasts
from patients with acute myeloblastic leukemia
J Mirro, GR Antoun, TF Zipf, S Melvin and S Stass
Monoclonal antibody T-11, considered specific for the sheep erythrocyte
rosette-associated antigen of T cells, reacted with leukemic blasts from
four of 23 patients with morphologic and cytochemical criteria for acute
myeloblastic leukemia (AML). Although 83%, 87%, 88%, and 96% of the blasts
from these patients reacted with T-11, only one patient demonstrated a
small percentage of heat-stable E rosettes (5%). Antibody 9.6, which also
reacts with the E rosette-associated antigen, was tested on blasts from two
of the T-11-positive patients and was also strongly reactive (96% and 98%).
Dual staining of blasts from these two patients demonstrated a small number
of cells that simultaneously expressed the E rosette-associated antigen and
myeloid- associated cytochemistries (myeloperoxidase [MPO] and Sudan black
B). Additionally, leukemic blasts were identified that simultaneously
expressed the E rosette-associated antigen and contained Auer rods.
Antibody OKT-11 immunoprecipitated a 48,100-dalton glycoprotein from these
leukemic blasts that is similar in molecular weight to that previously
determined for the T cell surface protein (Tp50), thus providing strong
evidence that this molecule can be found in some cases of AML. Because
cells simultaneously expressing both the E rosette- associated antigen and
MPO were identified, it would appear likely that leukemic blasts with only
the E rosette-associated antigen or only MPO arose from the same
progenitor. Our findings further demonstrate that the epitopes identified
by antibodies OKT-11, T-11, and 9.6 are not always associated with, or
sufficient for, 37 degrees C E rosette formation and can be found on blasts
from patients with AML.
Volume 65,
Issue 2,
pp. 363-367,
02/01/1985
Copyright © 1985 by The American Society of Hematology
