Perforin-positive leukemic cell infiltration in the aortic tissue of a patient with T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia.

Abstract

Here we report a rare case of T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia in which leukemic killer cells, expressing a cytolytic factor perforin, infiltrated the aorta as well as the heart and may have directly injured aortic vascular cells which strongly expressed human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) as well as costimulatory molecules B7 and B70, which are ligands for CD28 expressed on T-cells. In spite of chemotherapy against leukemic cells, this autoimmune process finally caused fatal multi-organ failure.

• Authors: Y Seko, M Azuma, H Yagita, K Okumura, Y Yazaki
• Journal: International angiology : a journal of the International Union of Angiology (Int Angiol) Vol. 15 Issue 3 Pg. 245-8 (Sep 1996) ISSN: 0392-9590 [Print] Italy
• PMID: 8971584 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Membrane Glycoproteins
• Pore Forming Cytotoxic Proteins
• Perforin

Topics

• Adult
• Aorta (pathology)
• Humans
• Leukemia, Prolymphocytic (pathology)
• Leukemia, T-Cell (pathology)
• Leukemic Infiltration (pathology)
• Male
• Membrane Glycoproteins (analysis)
• Perforin
• Pore Forming Cytotoxic Proteins
• T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic (immunology)