Serum levels of helper factors (IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta and IL-6), T-cell products (sCD4 and sCD8), sIL-2R and beta 2-microglobulin in patients with B-CLL and benign B lymphocytosis

Leuk Res. 1992 Jun-Jul;16(6-7):607-13. doi: 10.1016/0145-2126(92)90009-v.

Abstract

Chronic B-lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) cells may be regulated by immune functions. In an attempt to analyze such functions, helper factors (IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta and IL-6), T-cell products (sCD4 and sCD8) and sIL-2R and beta 2-microglobulin were measured in serum of patients at different stages of the disease. Patients were classified as having monoclonal lymphocytosis of undetermined significance (MLUS), stable or progressive B-CLL respectively. A significant, but modest, increase of IL-1 alpha was found in B-CLL as well as in MLUS patients whereas IL-6 levels were increased in MLUS only. sCD8 levels were increased both in MLUS and B-CLL but augmented sCD4 concentrations were found statistically significant only in progressive B-CLL. beta 2-microglobulin and sIL-2R were related to the extent of the monoclonal B-cell fraction. The data indicate an increased T-suppressor activity in both MLUS and B-CLL patients and a selective increase of helper T-cell activity in progressive B-CLL. A possible immunoregulatory influence of helper T cells on disease progression is discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • B-Lymphocytes*
  • CD4 Antigens / metabolism*
  • CD8 Antigens / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-1 / blood*
  • Interleukin-1beta
  • Interleukin-6 / blood*
  • Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / blood
  • Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / immunology*
  • Leukocytosis / blood
  • Leukocytosis / immunology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Peptide Fragments / blood
  • Receptors, Interleukin-2 / metabolism*
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology
  • beta 2-Microglobulin / metabolism*

Substances

  • CD4 Antigens
  • CD8 Antigens
  • Interleukin-1
  • Interleukin-1beta
  • Interleukin-6
  • Peptide Fragments
  • Receptors, Interleukin-2
  • beta 2-Microglobulin
  • interleukin-1beta (163-171)