concanavalin-a and Mycosis-Fungoides

Continuously growing T- and B-cell lines were derived from peripheral blood, affected skin, and lymph nodes of patients with mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS). Two lymphoblastoid cell lines (MF-13 and SS-2) were Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-transformed B cells evaluated by surface immunoglobulin, lack of E-rosette formation, positive EBV nuclear antibody test, and secretion of IgM antibody in a plaque-forming cell assay. Analysis of the natural-killer-cell activity using peripheral blood lymphocytes from patients with MF and healthy control persons towards MF-13 and SS-2 target cells suggested resistance to lysis even in tests supplemented with 1,000 IU/ml human gamma-interferon. However, the cell lines were not per se completely resistant to lysis because lymphocytes from control persons showed significant cytotoxicity in an 18-h assay supplemented with 2 micrograms/ml concanavalin A.

Topics: Adult; Aged; B-Lymphocytes; Cell Line; Concanavalin A; Cytotoxicity, Immunologic; Female; Humans; Interferon-gamma; Killer Cells, Natural; Male; Middle Aged; Mycosis Fungoides; Sezary Syndrome; Skin Neoplasms; T-Lymphocytes

Thirteen patients with stage I or II mycosis fungoides (MF) and 10 patients with large-plaque parapsoriasis en plaques (PEP) were examined for immunologic and cytogenetic disturbances. Total lymphocyte counts and immunoglobulin concentrations in the blood were normal. In vitro lymphocyte responses to polyclonal activators and various antigens in standard concentrations were normal. However, titration of phytohemagglutinin and concanavalin A (ConA) disclosed significantly lowered responses to suboptimal concentrations in the patient group, most pronounced in patients with MF II. ConA-induced leukocyte migration inhibitory factor (LIF) production, tested in an indirect leukocyte migration inhibitory assay, was low in the patient group. Furthermore spontaneous LIF production in vitro and small amounts of serum LIF were demonstrated in a few patients. The chromosomal banding pattern, sister chromatid exchange, and break frequency were within normal limits except for 3 translocations in the MF group. It is concluded that even in early-stage MF a pathologic function of blood lymphocytes can be demonstrated, when sensitive methods are applied. The findings might be important for monitoring disease activity and effect of treatment.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Cell Migration Inhibition; Chromosome Aberrations; Concanavalin A; Female; Humans; Leukocyte Migration-Inhibitory Factors; Lymphocyte Activation; Lymphocytes; Male; Middle Aged; Mycosis Fungoides; Parapsoriasis