Populations of Killer Cells and T-Cells Bearing Receptors for IgG in Lymphoproliferative Disorders, with Special Reference to Adult T-Cell Malignant Lymphoma-Leukemia

In order to determine the immune status of the patients, the populations and absolute numbers of killer cells (K-cells) and T-cells bearing receptors for the Fc portion of IgG (Tγ-cells) in the peripheral blood of 43 patients with lymphoproliferative disorders, including 26 patients with peripheral T-cell malignant lymphoma-leukemia (PTML) were estimated. Tumor cell suspensions of the lymph nodes of nine patients were also analyzed for surface markers. In all lymphoproliferative disorders, there were fewer K-cells in the peripheral blood than in the controls, and the population of Tγ-cells varied widely. There were fewer K-cells in the leukemic patients than in the nonleukemic patients. Some patients with PTML showed markedly increased absolute numbers of Tγ-cells and one of them had neoplastic cells bearing Fc receptors for IgG in the peripheral blood. Tumor cell suspensions contained very few or no K-cells or Tγ-cells.