Aberrant phenotypic expression of the T-cell-associated antigen CD8 on B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells

Lab Hematol. 2009;15(1):1-3. doi: 10.1532/LH96.08015.

Abstract

B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) is a heterogeneous hematologic malignancy caused by a clonally expanded B-cell population that recirculates between the blood and tissues. Described is the case of an 81-year-old female B-CLL patient with aberrant expression of a T-cell-associated antigen, CD8, on CD19+ B-CLL cells. Despite chlorambucil therapy and a subsequent salvage regimen, the patient rapidly entered progressive disease and died 9 months later. Flow cytometric immunophenotyping of the B-CLL cells for a number of antigens ruled out a mixed-lineage disorder. The implications of CD8 expression in B-CLL are discussed, and its expression in this case probably reflects an aberrant lineage infidelity. CD8 expression might be considered as a marker of aggressive disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • B-Lymphocytes / pathology
  • CD8 Antigens / analysis*
  • Cell Lineage
  • Disease Progression
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunophenotyping
  • Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / pathology*

Substances

  • CD8 Antigens