Membrane Receptors of Human Leukaemic Myeloid Cells: Sequential Expression of the γFc Receptor

Abstract

An immunological surface marker study was performed on 13 patients with a variety of myeloid leukemias. Expression of the receptor for the Fc of Ig[immunoglobulin]G (.gamma.FcR) started to take place at the promyelocyte stage, and the receptor was present on more mature granulocytic cells, but is absent from myeloblasts. Myeloblasts and promyelocytes were negative for the complement receptor CR2. Monoblasts, unlike myelobasts, expressed a .gamma.FcR and, to a lesser extent, CR2. Receptor expression therefore appeared to be an earlier event in monocytic development. The possible diagnostic value of immunological marker studies in myeloid disorders was considered.