RESUMEN
Valpha24TCR+ CD161+ NKT (Valpha24+ NKT) cells are activated by alpha-galactosylceramide and can exert anti-tumor activity against a variety of tumor cells. In this study, we assessed the Valpha24+ NKT cell numbers in peripheral blood (PB) from 30 healthy donors and 70 patients with haematopoietic malignancy including chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), malignant lymphoma (ML), acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Here, we demonstrated that PB Valpha24+ NKT cell numbers were significantly decreased in all the patients with haematopoietic malignancy in comparison with that in healthy donors (P < 0.005). In particular CD4- CD8- Valpha24+ NKT cell numbers were more significantly decreased in the patients with haematopoietic malignancy (P < 0.0001).
Asunto(s)
Neoplasias Hematológicas/sangre , Células Asesinas Naturales/citología , Receptores de Antígenos de Linfocitos T alfa-beta/biosíntesis , Antígenos CD4/biosíntesis , Antígenos CD8/biosíntesis , Citometría de Flujo , Humanos , Células Asesinas Naturales/inmunología , Recuento de Linfocitos , Linfocitos/citología , Linfocitos/inmunología , Análisis de SupervivenciaRESUMEN
A 75-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis showed a discrepancy between the reduced level of serum gamma globulin on cellulose acetate electrophoresis and the normal level of serum IgG determined by laser nephelometry. Although no M-peak was detectable on cellulose acetate electrophoresis, immunoelectrophoresis of the patient's serum revealed a monoclonal protein reacting with anti-IgG antiserum but not with anti-kappa or anti-lambda light chain antiserum. Western blotting of the patient's serum showed abnormal low-molecular-weight gamma chains. Thus, the patient was diagnosed with gamma heavy chain disease. A comparison of gamma globulin levels determined by different methods may be useful when screening for this disease.