T lymphocyte subpopulations in chronic lymphocytic leukemia of B cell type in relation to immunoglobulin isotype(s) on the leukemic clone and to clinical features

Abstract

Total blood T lymphocytes and subpopulations (OKT4⁺ and OKT8 ⁺ cells) were studied in 59 patients with B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B‐CLL). In 48 previously untreated patients, total T lymphocytes were higher as compared to healthy controls (p < 0.001). T‐cells and OKT8⁺ cells were significantly increased in patients in advanced clinical stage and with progressive disease in comparison to patients with low stage and indolent disease. High numbers of OKT8⁺ lymphocytes were also seen in patients with a dominance of μ heavy chains on the leukemic clone. Moreover, in this patient group the OKT8⁺ subpopulation correlated with total B cells (r = 0.68, p < 0.001) while in patients with a μδ phenotype no such correlation was seen. After successful cytostatic therapy there was a reduction in total numbers of both OKT4⁺ and OKT8⁺ cells, in particular, with a concomitant increase in OKT4/OKT8 ratios.