Analysis of T-cell receptor beta chain (T beta) gene rearrangements demonstrates the monoclonal nature of T-cell chronic lymphoproliferative disorders.

Abstract

We investigated the rearrangement patterns of the gene coding for the beta chain of the T cell receptor (T beta) in 11 patients with T-cell derived chronic lymphoproliferative disorders, including T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL) and T-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (T-CLL). We found that all five cases of T-PLL, and five of six cases of T-CLL, displayed T beta-gene rearrangements, clearly establishing their monoclonal nature. Clonality could not be determined in one case of T-CLL where the T beta gene was found unrearranged. Our results demonstrate that the majority of cases of both clinically aggressive T-PLL and clinically indolent T-CLL are monoclonal. These results suggest that the analysis of T beta gene rearrangements represents a valid tool for the differential diagnosis and clinical monitoring of T-cell derived chronic lymphoproliferative diseases.

• Authors: R Foa, P G Pelicci, N Migone, F Lauria, G Pizzolo, F Flug, D M Knowles 2nd, R Dalla-Favera
• Journal: Blood (Blood) Vol. 67 Issue 1 Pg. 247-50 (Jan 1986) ISSN: 0006-4971 [Print] United States
• PMID: 3484426 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell

Topics

• Humans
• Leukemia, Lymphoid (pathology)
• Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell (genetics)
• Recombination, Genetic
• T-Lymphocytes