Differentiation of Human T Lymphocytes: II. Phenotypic Difference in Skin and Blood Malignant T-Cells in Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma

• Published in: Journal of investigative dermatology Vol. 78; no. 4; pp. 323 - 326
• Main Authors: Haynes, Barton F., Hensley, Lucinda L., Jegasothy, Brian V.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.04.1982
• Subjects: Antigens, Neoplasm - analysis; Antigens, Surface - analysis; Glycoproteins - analysis; Histocompatibility Antigens Class II - analysis; Humans; Leukemia, Lymphoid - immunology; Membrane Glycoproteins; Membrane Proteins - analysis; Mycosis Fungoides - immunology; Phenotype; Receptors, Cell Surface - analysis; Receptors, Transferrin; Sezary Syndrome - immunology; Skin - immunology; Skin Neoplasms - immunology; T-Lymphocytes - immunology; T-Lymphocytes - metabolism; Thy-1 Antigens
• ISSN: 0022-202X; 1523-1747
• DOI: 10.1111/1523-1747.ep12507406

The cell surface antigen phenotype of circulating and skin malignant T-cells in patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma were studied. The mature T-cell antigen phenotype of the malignant T-cells was identical for circulating and skin malignant T-cells. In contrast, skin malignant T-cells expressed the immature human T-cell antigen Thy-1, surface membrane transferrin receptors, and Ia-like determinants while circulating malignant T- cells did not express these antigens. Skin infiltrating T-cells in benign dermatoses also expressed Thy-1 and Ia- like determinants. These observations support the notion that the skin is a major site of extrathymic T-cell differentiation and may promote phenotypic changes in circulating T-cells that home to skin.