Alteration of Blood Group Antigens in Leukemic Lymphocytes*

Abstract

With the technic of specific mixed cell agglutination (SMCA) ABH blood group antigens were demonstrated on the surface of normal lymphocytes. These antigens are expressed in infancy and childhood, remain identifiable in patients with benign disorders of the lymphoreticular organs, and are not influenced by cytotoxic agents or certain abnormal immune states. Of greater interest, however, was that type-specific reactivity of the lymphocyte in chronic lymphocytic leukemia was either markedly decreased or completely absent as compared to the mixed agglutinability of its normal relative. Whether this newly described serologic abnormality represents an inability to detect these antigens or an actual loss of genetic markers remains unknown at present as does its relation to the genesis of this particular form of malignant blood dyscrasia.