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P Möller

Publications and source records attributed to P Möller.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Induction of apoptosis by monoclonal antibody anti-APO-1 class switch variants is dependent on cross-linking of APO-1 cell surface antigens.

Apoptosis, programmed cell death, was previously shown to be induced by the mAb anti-APO-1 (IgG3, kappa) by binding to the APO-1 cell surface Ag, a new member of the nerve growth factor/TNF receptor superfamily. To investigate the role of the Ig H chain Fc regions we compared induction of apoptosis by the original mAb IgG3 anti-APO-1 with anti-APO-1 F(ab')2 fragments and different anti-APO-1 isotypes (IgG1, IgG2b, IgG2a, and IgA) isolated by sequential sublining. We found that IgG3 was the most active isotype; IgG1, IgG2a, and IgA showed intermediate activity, and IgG2b and F(ab')2 were inactive. Cytotoxic activity of the inactive or less active antibody preparations was fully reconstituted by protein A, anti-mouse Ig, or anti-mouse Ig F(ab')2, respectively. Thus, APO-1-mediated induction of apoptosis was dependent on efficient cross-linking of APO-1 cell surface Ag, indirectly augmented by anti-APO-1 Fc-Fc self-aggregation. Because of their different in vitro activity we selected IgG3-, IgG2b-, and IgA anti-APO-1 to test their antitumor activity against solid human B lymphoblastoid tumors in SCID mice. The isotypes showed a different serum half-life (IgG3: 9.2-10.4 days, IgG2b: 1.9-2.6 days, and IgA: 14.1-29.2 h) and a different initial tumor localization 4 h after i.p. injection (IgG3 around the blood vessels, IgG2b homogeneously, and IgA heterogeneously distributed in the tumor). All antibody preparations induced tumor regression by induction of apoptosis, even IgG2b anti-APO-1 inactive in vitro without cross-linking. The activity of IgA anti-APO-1, which did not mediate complement-dependent cytotoxicity or antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity indicates that apoptosis may be used as the main if not the only mechanism of induction of tumor regression in vivo. As with in vitro, IgG3 anti-APO-1 was the most effective isotype also in vivo. This result suggests that cross-linking of APO-1 on the tumor cell surface may also be required for tumor regression by apoptosis in vivo. Taken together, our data show that selective targeting of apoptosis to tumors may be an efficient antitumor mechanism.

Animals

Regional administration of lymphokine-activated killer cells can be superior to intravenous application.

A patient with liver metastases of human lymphocyte antigen (HLA) class II-negative malignant melanoma was treated with several cycles of adoptive immunotherapy with interleukin-2 and lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cells. The authors evaluated the efficacy of regional transfer of LAK cells versus systemic intravenous administration. Initially, the patient was treated according to a regional treatment protocol, consisting of perfusion of the spleen with interleukin-2 and transfer of LAK cells into the portal vein; a partial remission was observed. Because of technical problems, interleukin-2 and LAK cells were administered intravenously in a second treatment cycle. This systemic treatment course resulted only in a minor mixed response of the hepatic metastases. A third treatment course was administered with the use of intravenous interleukin-2 infusion and arterial perfusion of the liver with LAK cells. The patient had separate hepatic arteries to both lobes of the liver as an anatomic variation. Because most of the tumor mass was present in the right lobe of the liver, a third of the LAK cells were injected into the right hepatic artery and the remaining cells were administered intravenously. The lesions in the right lobe of the liver regressed, but disease progression occurred in the left lobe. A fourth treatment cycle, consisting of intravenous infusion of interleukin-2 and arterial perfusion of both lobes of the liver with LAK cells, resulted in a complete response of all hepatic lesions, which has lasted 18 months to date. Because, in this patient, tumor regression was observed only in anatomic areas of the liver, which were perfused with LAK cells, it is suggested that the regional administration of LAK cells was essential for successful treatment.

Adult

Local growth of a Burkitt's lymphoma versus disseminated invasive growth of the autologous EBV-immortalized lymphoblastoid cells and their somatic cell hybrids in SCID mice.

Specific host-graft interactions, as well as intrinsic properties of transferred cell, determine tumorigenicity in xenogeneic systems. We compared the growth characteristics of human B-lymphoid cell lines in SCID mice with the well characterized growth pattern in nude mice and observed striking differences in malignancy in the respective hosts. Two cell lines derived from the same individual, the Epstein-Barr-virus(EBV)-positive Burkitt's lymphoma BL 60 (BL) and the autologous EBV-immortalized lymphoblastoid cell line IARC 277 (LCL) were used. In addition, we tested somatic cell hybrids (HYB) of both cell lines, which despite the LCL-like differentiation phenotype show the de-regulated c-myc expression pattern of the parental BL line, assumed to be a critical factor in BL pathogenesis. Subcutaneously (s.c.) injected BL cells produced local progressively growing tumor masses at the injection site without distant metastases in both nude and SCID mice. Although both mouse strains possess the same genetic background (BALB/c) and differ only in the B-cell sub-set, the growth patterns of the LCL and hybrids were completely different. In contrast to the regressive behaviour of LCL and hybrids in nude mice, these lines show invasive and disseminated progressive growth in SCID mice. Peripheral lymph nodes an thymic tissue were preferentially colonized, whereas mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue (Peyer's patches and appendix) and spleen were not infiltrated. The preferential migration of lymphocytes to certain tissues is termed homing in a syngeneic system and mediated by homing receptors and vascular addressins. The "homing" of LCL and hybrids into lymphoid SCID mouse tissue suggests a strong interaction with the endothelial cells of the host. Detailed phenotypic analysis of BL, LCL and 3 different hybrids was performed using an antibody panel against differentiation and adhesion markers. Overall dominance of the LCL phenotype was observed in the hybrids, as indicated by cytology, tumor growth, dissemination and the pattern of surface-marker expression. The c-myc activation in hybrids does not appear to influence growth behavior.

Animals

Venular endothelium binding molecules CD44 and LECAM-1 in normal and malignant B-cell populations. A comparative study.

Lymphocytes leave the blood via post-capillary venules by binding initially to their specialized endothelium. CD44 is a 80-90 kDa hyaluronate-binding glycoprotein involved in binding to endothelium of high endothelial venules (HEV). LECAM-1 is a 75-85 kDa glycoprotein with lectin activity interacting with human peripheral lymph node vascular addressin (PNAd) on HEV. This immunohistochemical study shows that CD44 and LECAM-1 are essentially coordinately expressed on B-lymphocytes. The mode and level of CD44/LECAM-1 expression dissect the peripheral B-cell development into stages that are closely linked to morphologically defined B-cell compartments. Although statistically correlated in B-cell leukaemias (p < 0.0009) and extranodal B-cell lymphomas (p < 0.003), expression of both molecules was less stringently coordinated in 127 B-cell neoplasms examined. B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, hairy cell leukaemia and mantle zone lymphoma were CD44/LECAM-1 positive, thus corresponding to their reactive counterparts. Correspondingly, follicular centre cell-derived lymphomas were devoid of both markers. Conversely, CD44 and LEC-AM-1 were infrequently detectable in extranodal malignant B-cell neoplasms, irrespective of their maturational state. Presence versus absence of CD44 and LECAM-1, alone or together, determined neither the leukaemic versus aleukaemic state nor the nodal versus extranodal tumour-forming phenotype of a B-cell tumour.

B-Lymphocytes

Altered content and distribution of tenascin in colitis, colon adenoma, and colorectal carcinoma.

Tenascin is a fibroblast product and extracellular matrix protein probably excerting a fibronectin-antagonizing role. Tenascin is broadly distributed interstitially during embryogenesis but restricted to a small range of structures in normal adult tissues. Using tenascin antibodies and an indirect immunoperoxidase method, normal colon, colitis, colon adenomas, and colorectal carcinomas were examined for tissue distribution of tenascin. Normal mucosa displayed a sparce meshwork of microfibrillar tenascin in the lamina propria. The basement membrane was tenascin negative at the bottom of the crypt and developed into a positive band steadily broadening towards the mucosal surface. In colitis, this polarity was effaced; the basement membrane was a broad tenascin-positive band nearly throughout while interstitial tenascin was moderately increased. Loss of polarity in tenascin content of the basement membrane was a constant feature of adenomas, inconsistently paralleled by structural alterations in surface qualities and continuity of tenascin pattern of the basement membrane. These were most pronounced in carcinomas, where this interface was often discontinuous and had a rough surface; in addition, interstitial tenascin was considerably increased. In carcinomas, the rough surface aspect of the tenascin pattern of the basement membrane was correlated with presence of lymph node metastases (P = 0.04). It is concluded that alterations in tenascin pattern and content reflect complex disturbances in the interaction of inflamed/neoplastic colon epithelium and underlying matrix, leading to an organoid induction of tenascin in the inflammatory context and to induction together with structural abnormalities in neoplasia.

Adenoma

Decay-accelerating factor (DAF, CD55) in normal colorectal mucosa, adenomas and carcinomas.

Decay-accelerating-factor (DAF, CD55), a phosphatidyl-inositol anchored glycoprotein, is a member of the cell membrane bound complement regulatory proteins that inhibit autologous complement cascade activation. DAF was found expressed on cells that are in close contact with serum complement proteins, but also on cells outside the vascular space and on tumour cells. Using CD55(BRIC110) and CD55(143-30) we show here that DAF(CD55) is only sporadically expressed on the luminal surface of normal colonic epithelium. However, 5/20 adenomas expressed DAF(CD55) on the cell surface of all tumour cells, 5/20 adenomas were completely negative, 10/20 adenomas expressed DAF(CD55) in various amounts. DAF(CD55) was expressed in various intensities on almost all tumour cells of the colon carcinoma cell line HT29. In 5/88 colorectal carcinomas DAF(CD55) was localised on the apical cell surface of all tumour cells, 31/88 were completely negative, 52/88 expressed DAF(CD55) in parts of their neoplastic populations. There was no correlation between the tumour grading, staging and location and the mode of DAF(CD55) expression, but DAF(CD55) was found more often in mucinous carcinomas (P = 0.007). Although the mode of DAF(CD55) expression is not correlated with tumour prognostic parameters, the upregulation of DAF(CD55) in a subset of adenomas and carcinomas needs further investigation concerning protection of tumour cells against complement cytotoxicity.

Adenoma

Homotypic aggregation and terminal glycosylation of cells from dissociated human colorectal tumor tissue.

Colorectal tumor tissue directly obtained from the surgeon was dissociated by enzymatical and mechanical disruption into a suspension of single cells of high viability. Homotypic aggregation, sialidase-accessible sialic acid and total fucose content of tumor cells were determined. Aggregation of cells from mucinous tumors was found to be significantly lower than of cells from nonmucinous tissue. The median value of surface-bound sialic acid was lower in strongly aggregating cells compared to nonaggregating cells. Cells from metastasizing tumors showed slightly lower aggregation, but on an average carried more surface-bound sialic acid and were significantly higher fucosylated than cells from nonmetastasizing tumors.

Cell Aggregation

[Expression of beta 1 integrins in normal B lymphocytes at different stages of development and in B cell neoplasias].

VLA-1 to -6 are cell surface molecules binding to matrix molecules such as collagen, fibronectin, epiligrin, and laminin. In addition, VLA-4 binds to VCAM-1 and ICAM-2, thus mediating intercellular adhesion prerogative for lymphocyte extravasation or "homing". Using frozen tissue of normal lymphoid organs and of 100 morphologically and immunologically typed B cell neoplasias, monoclonal antibodies to all six VLA-alpha subunits and to the common beta 1-chain were applied to serial sections. VLAs were found differentially expressed in cytologically and microtopographically defined B cell subsets [follicular mantle zone cells (MZ), follicular center cells (FC), extrafollicular cells (EF), and plasma cells (PC)] of normal spleen, lymph node, and thymic medulla (which contains an EF compartment). Thus, these cell types, which correspond to discrete stages of B cell development, can also be defined by their VLA status. Acute B lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) was VLA-1-, 2-, 3 +/-, 4 +/-, 5 +/-, 6-. The VLA-1-, -2 +/-, -3+, -4+, -5+, -6- phenotype of chronic B lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) resembled that of MZ. Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) differed from CLL in its tendency to lack VLA-2, in its consistent lack of VLA-3, and altogether resembled splenic EF in its VLA profile. Mantle zone lymphoma (MZL) consistently expressed VLA-3 and -4 and frequently VLA-5. Nodal follicular center cell lymphomas (FCCL) were VLA-1- and -2- and very rarely expressed VLA-5 and -6. Thus, FCCL although roughly corresponding to FC, tended to aberrantly express VLA-3 and/or VLA-4. Burkitt's lymphoma resembled FCCL but expressed VLA-4 more frequently and at higher levels.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

B-Lymphocytes

[Expression of APO-1, a cell surface molecule mediating apoptosis, during normal B cell ontogeny and in B cell tumors. Co-expression and coregulation of APO-1 and ICAM-1 (CD54) in germinal central cells].

APO-1 is a 48kDa transmembrane glycoprotein and belongs to the NGF/TNF receptor family of surface molecules. Cross-linking of APO-1 induces apoptotic cell death in sensitive cells. Here we show that APO-1 is an activation molecule on B cells. It could be induced/enhanced on dense and buoyant tonsillar B cells, respectively, through surface immunoglobulin cross-linking in combination with interleukin-2 or by interferon-gamma together with tumor necrosis factor-alpha. These conditions also increased the amount of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1; CD54) on these cells. Epstein-Barr virus transformants of peripheral B cells co-expressed APO-1 and CD54 at very high levels. Immunohistologically, APO-1 was detectable at low levels in a subpopulation of follicular center B blasts and, at higher levels, in sinusoidal B cells. APO-1 was undetectable in follicular mantle B cells and plasma cells. Neoplastic B cell essentially mimicked their reactive counterpart with regard to APO-1 and CD54 expression.

Antibodies, Monoclonal

Adhesion receptor profile of thymic B-cell lymphoma.

Primary thymic B-cell lymphoma is clinically characterized by aleukemic, highly aggressive local growth, infrequent distant metastasis, and infrequent secondary lymph node involvement. VLA-1 to VLA-6 are cell surface molecules binding to matrix molecules such as collagen, fibronectin, epiligrin, and laminin. VLA-4 additionally binds to VCAM-1 and ICAM-2, thus mediating intercellular adhesion. Other molecules involved in cell/cell adhesion are LFA-1 (CD11a/CD18), Mac-1(CD11b/CD18) and their ligand ICAM-1 (CD54), p150,95 (CD11c/CD18), LFA-3 (CD58), CD44, and LECAM-1. Twenty-three tumors, together with normal lymphoid tissue, were immunohistochemically examined to investigate the expression pattern of these molecules in thymic B-cell lymphomas and in their putative normal counterparts, namely thymic medullary B cells. Thymic B-cell lymphomas consistently lacked VLA-1,-2,-3,-5,-6, and CD11b, expressed ICAM-1 in 21 of 23 cases but were heterogenous for VLA-4, LFA-1, CD11c, LFA-3, CD44, and LECAM-1. Presence of LFA-1 correlated with LFA-3 expression (P = 0.029). The receptor profile of thymic B-cell lymphoma was reminiscent of the expressional status of normal thymic medullary B cells in some aspects but deviated in others: Assuming that, in terms of differentiation, thymic B-cell lymphoma is related to the asteroid variant of thymic medullary B cells, a propensity to down-regulate/lose VLA-4, CD11a, CD44, and LECAM-1 would have to be supposed in conjunction with a tendency to overexpress ICAM-1 and LFA-3. Sclerosis as an inconsistent phenomenon in thymic B-cell lymphoma was absent in 8 of 23 tumors. Presence of sclerosis correlated with LECAM-1 expression of the tumor cells (P = 0.038). Recent studies suggest that a locally growing/aleukemic phenotype of a B-cell neoplasia might be determined by the phenotype VLAs-, LFA-1+, ICAM-1+, CD44-, and LECAM-1-. Our data corroborate this view.

Antibodies, Monoclonal

The role of surface HLA-A,B,C molecules in tumour immunity.

It is well established that MHC class I molecules present peptides from endogenous proteins, such as virus or tumour antigens, to CD8+ T lymphocytes. This implies that expression of MHC class I molecules on tumours is also mandatory for an effective T cell response against neoplasias. Indeed, numerous murine models exist (such as IC9, 3LL, P815) in which the existence of MHC presented tumour antigens and a protective CTL response have been well documented (reviewed in Hämmerling et al, 1987). However, the key question of whether cytolytic T cell attack has a role in human cancer remains unsolved. Similarly, the role of NK cells is unclear; these seem to lyse cells with low levels of MHC class I expression more efficiently. So far, human tumour specific antigens that can be presented by HLA molecules have not been identified on the molecular level. For a subpopulation of patients with malignant melanoma, the existence of tumour antigen can be deduced from the existence of tumour specific cytotoxic T cells isolated from TIL. However, for other epidemiologically more important tumours such as carcinomas of the colon, breast and lung, even indirect evidence is still missing. It is thus unknown how many tumours express tumour specific antigen at all and whether these putative antigens are of unique specificity or are shared by certain groups of (histologically related) neoplasias. Most reports agree that malignant cells in general have a more or less pronounced propensity to express class I molecules abnormally and often in the sense of hypoexpression or (sublocus selective) loss. Mechanisms inducing aberrant expression are numerous. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that an abnormal content in surface class I/beta 2m may be associated with other aspects of dedifferentiation of the tumour and hence may eventually correlate with biological signs of an increased grade of malignancy. Consequences of defective MHC class I expression for the survival of a malignant clone may theoretically consist of an escape from cytotoxic T cell attack or in an increased susceptibility for NK mediated lysis. In view of the fact that a particular antigen in a cell will be presented only by one or few HLA alleles on the cell, one would not expect that immunoselection would lead to a loss of all HLA alleles. It can be deduced from the few existing clinical studies on the prognostic impact of aberrant MHC class I expression that immunoselection by one way or the other is not a relevant mechanism in terms of tumour biology.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Cytotoxicity, Immunologic

Adhesion molecules VLA-1 to VLA-6 define discrete stages of peripheral B lymphocyte development and characterize different types of B cell neoplasia.

VLA-1 to VLA-6 are cell-surface molecules binding to matrix molecules such as collagen, fibronectin, epiligrin, and laminin. In addition, VLA-4 binds to VCAM-1 and ICAM-2, thus mediating intercellular adhesion prerogative for lymphocyte extravasation or 'homing'. Using frozen tissue of normal lymphoid organs and of 100 morphologically and immunologically typed B cell neoplasias, monoclonal antibodies to all six VAL-alpha and to the common beta-chain were applied to serial sections. VLAs were found differentially expressed in cytologically and microtopographically defined B-cell subsets [follicular mantle zone cells (MZ), follicular center cells (FC), extrafollicular cells (EF), and plasma cells (PC)] of normal spleen, lymph node, and thymic medulla (which contains an EF compartment). Thus, these cell types, which correspond to discrete stages of B cell development, can also be defined by their VLA status. Acute B lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) was VLA-1-, 2-, 3 +/-, 4 +/-, 5 +/-, 6-. The VLA-1-, -2 +/-, 3+, -4+, -5+, -6-phenotype of chronic B lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) resembled that of MZ. Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) differed from CLL in its tendency to lack VLA-2, in its consistent lack of VLA-3, and altogether resembled splenic EF in its VLA profile. Mantle zone lymphoma (MZL) consistently expressed VLA-3 and -4 and frequently VLA-5. Nodal follicular center cell lymphomas (FCCL) were VLA-1- and -2- and very rarely expressed VLA-5 and -6. Thus, FCCL although roughly corresponding to FC, tended to aberrantly express VLA-3 and/or VLA-4. Burkitt's lymphoma resembled FCCL but expressed VLA-4 more frequently and at higher levels. Mediastinal clear cell lymphoma of B-cell type differed from FCCL in its regular lack of VLA-3, -5, and -6 and in frequently lacking VLA-4. Medullary plasmacytoma was VLA-1-, -2-, -3 +/-, -4 +/-, -5-, -6+, thus being the only B cell neoplasia which was consistently VLA-6+. With respect to the well-known clinical characteristics of the B cell malignancies examined, the leukemic phenotype might crucially depend on the presence of VLA-5.

B-Lymphocytes

Expression of beta 1-integrins, H-CAM (CD44) and LECAM-1 in primary gastro-intestinal B-cell lymphomas as compared to the adhesion receptor profile of the gut-associated lymphoid system, tonsil and peripheral lymph node.

beta 1-Integrins (VLA-1 to -6) are cell-surface molecules binding to matrix molecules such as collagen, fibronectin and laminin. VLA-4 is the human homologue to the murine Peyer's patch homing receptor mediating cell/cell adhesion required for lymphocyte extravasation or "homing". Other structures which have a homing-receptor function through recognition of venular endothelium are H-CAM (CD44) and LECAM-1 (LAM-1, human MEL-14 equivalent). In order to elucidate whether these adhesion receptors are expressed in primary gastro-intestinal malignant B-cell lymphomas (GI BmL) which, in this case, might contribute to the initial confinement to this extranodal site, 31 extensively characterized tumors were examined together with reactive lymphoid tissues from small and large intestine, tonsil and lymph node using monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against these receptors. All types of adhesion receptors were differentially expressed in the cytologically and microtopographically defined B-cell subsets [follicular center cells (FC), mantle-zone cells (MZ), extrafollicular cells (EF) and plasma cells (PC)] of the normal B-cell system. With the exception of differences in LECAM-1 levels among EF and PC of intestinal vs. nodal vs. tonsillar sites, receptor profiles were almost identical in different lymphoid organs. The expression pattern of these molecules in GI BmL was markedly heterogeneous, mimicking to some extent the receptor equipment of their reactive cellular counterpart. Thus, we failed to find a unifying adhesion receptor profile indicative of a tissue-specific homing of reactive and neoplastic B-cells.

Antibodies, Monoclonal

Rapid intracellular pathway gives rise to cell surface expression of the MHC class II-associated invariant chain (CD74).

In previous investigations, it had been shown that class II and associated invariant polypeptides are sorted to an endocytic route where transport is delayed. Invariant chain (Ii) is degraded in a post-Golgi compartment, presumably an endosomal vesicle, and only class II molecules emerge on the cell surface. By using a mAb against the extracytoplasmic domain of human Ii, we demonstrate, by electron microscopy and by cytofluorometry, surface expression of Ii on lymphoma cells and on human B lymphocytes. We examined surface expression of Ii upon inhibition by brefeldin A of intracellular transport from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi stack. This treatment rapidly depletes the cell surface of Ii. In the subsequent absence of brefeldin A, Ii appears rapidly at the cell surface. Within 5 h, the previous level of surface Ii (sIi) is reconstituted. Chloroquine abrogates depletion of sIi by brefeldin A, apparently by inhibition of internalization of sIi. Because on its route to the cell surface Ii is not proteolytically digested, it was possible that Ii and associated class II molecules are not separated on this pathway. Immunochemical studies reveal that on the cell surface of a B lymphoma cell line a proportion of Ii and class II polypeptides are associated.

Antigens, Differentiation, B-Lymphocyte

Expression of the natural killer cell-associated antigens CD56 and CD57 in human neural and striated muscle cells and in their tumors.

The expression of the natural killer cell-associated antigens CD56 and CD57 which are known to show sequence homologies to the neural cell adhesion molecule N-CAM was examined immunohistochemically in normal and regenerative human neural and straited muscle cells and in their tumors using monoclonal antibodies Leu-19 and Leu-7. The pattern of expression of CD56 and CD57 in neural tissue was assessed in comparison with that of Mr 68,000 neurofilament. Dendritic interstitial cells were discriminated from neural cells by application of the pan leukocyte antigen CD53. In normal tissue, CD56 was expressed in thin nerve fibers, fine varicose and sensory nerve endings, cell membranes of ganglion cells, and fetal striated muscle cells. Thick nerve fibers, perikarya of ganglion cells, and adult striated muscle fibers were CD56 negative. In the normal state, CD57 was restricted to thick nerve fibers. Enhanced expression or reexpression of CD56 was found in regenerative neural cells which, in part, were also CD57 positive and in regenerative, CD57-negative striated muscle cells. In neural tumors, CD56 was detectable in 3 of 3 benign and 8 of 13 malignant schwannomas, 1 of 4 peripheral neuroepitheliomas, 4 of 4 ganglioneuromas, and 8 of 8 (ganglio-)neuroblastomas, whereas CD57 was restricted to one benign and one malignant schwannoma. Furthermore, CD56, but not CD57, could be found in 8 of 8 rhabdomyosarcomas. All in all, the pattern of expression of CD56 is comparable to that of N-CAM. CD57 exhibits a very restricted binding pattern which, in most instances, is complementary to that of CD56. The absence of CD56 in some neural tumors might reflect alterations in cell-cell interactions. Its reexpression in regenerative striated muscle cells and in rhabdomyosarcomas suggests a role of CD56 as an oncodevelopmental antigen.

Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte

Histomorphologic and immunophenotypic spectrum of primary gastro-intestinal B-cell lymphomas.

In order to compare primary gastro-intestinal (GI) B-cell lymphomas histomorphologically and immunophenotypically with orthologous steps of B-cell differentiation within the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) of the GI tract, a comprehensive panel of well characterized leucocyte differentiation antigens was composed. It comprised immunoglobulin constituents CD5, CD10, CD11c, CD20, CD23, CD24, CD30, CDw32, CD38, CD39, CDw75, CD76, and vimentin. These antigens yield characteristic immunoprofiles for the following B-cell compartments of the MALT, per se closely linked to cytologically distinct B-cell phenotypes: mantle zone (MZ), extrafollicular compartment (EF), follicle center (FC), and plasma-cell compartment (PC). An unselected series of 31 MALT B lymphomas (13 of low and 18 of high grade malignancy) was classified histologically in routine preparations and subsequently characterized immunohistochemically using fresh frozen tissue, monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against the antigen panel listed above, and an indirect immunoperoxidase method. The final classification considered both morphology and immunoprofile of tumor cells. Ten tumors were "typical" in both respects: 2 closely corresponded to MZ, 5 to EF, 2 to FC and 1 to PC. The remaining 21 cases were characterized as "atypical" because of anaplastic cytology and/or abnormal co-expression and/or loss of antigens. A hybrid EF/FC phenotype was most frequently observed together with centrocyte-like or centrocytic anaplastic cytology of tumor cells. We conclude that MALT B-cell neoplasia comprises a broad spectrum of histo- and immunophenotypes ranging from well differentiated forms closely mimicking normal B-cell development to highly abnormal tumors which cannot be subclassified.

Antibodies, Monoclonal