CD8-positive B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia. A report of two cases

Am J Clin Pathol. 1994 Aug;102(2):212-6. doi: 10.1093/ajcp/102.2.212.

Abstract

Most B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemias and a small normal subset of B lymphocytes express the T-cell-associated CD5 antigen; expression of other T-cell antigens has been reported only rarely. The authors report two cases of typical B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia, seen during 1 year, in which two-color flow cytometric analysis documented expression of the T-cell-associated CD8 antigen by the monoclonal B cells. Genotypic studies showing immunoglobulin but not T-cell-receptor gene rearrangements confirmed the B-cell origin of the neoplastic cells. The true frequency of the CD8-positive B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia, any clinical implications, and the possibility of a normal subset of CD5-positive CD8-positive B cells remain to be determined.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Blood Cells / pathology
  • Bone Marrow / pathology
  • CD8 Antigens / analysis*
  • Female
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Gene Rearrangement, B-Lymphocyte, Heavy Chain
  • Gene Rearrangement, B-Lymphocyte, Light Chain
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Immunophenotyping
  • Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / blood
  • Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / genetics
  • Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / immunology*
  • Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • CD8 Antigens