A HODGKIN CELL-SPECIFIC ANTIGEN IS EXPRESSED ON A SUBSET OF AUTOACTIVATED AND ALLOACTIVATED-T (HELPER) LYMPHOBLASTS

Abstract

A Hodgkin cell-specific antigen detected by the monoclonal antibody Ki-1 was found on T helper lymphocytes after activation by autologous and allogeneic stimulator cells. About 50% of lymphoblasts generated by auto- and alloactivation reacted with the antibody. In contrast, only < 6% of lymphoblasts stimulated with Con A [concanavalin A], phytohemagglutinin (PHA), or protein A, and none of lymphoblasts activated by oxidative mitogenesis, expressed this antigen. Among several permanent cell lines tested, the K562, MOLT-4, HL-60 and EBV [Epstein-Barr virus] transformed B lymphoblastoid cells reacted with the Ki-1 antibody. The results may indicate possible relationships between the autoreactive subset of T lymphocytes and the pathogenesis of Hodgkin''s disease.