Immunocytology of plasmacytoid T cells: marker analysis indicates a unique phenotype of this enigmatic cell

Hum Pathol. 1987 Jan;18(1):28-32. doi: 10.1016/s0046-8177(87)80189-2.

Abstract

Clusters of plasmacytoid T cells (PTC) were detected in axillary lymph nodes draining an invasive ductal breast cancer in a 64-year-old woman. Immunocytology of PTC revealed a remarkable antigenic profile. Analysis with a broad spectrum of monoclonal antibodies demonstrated that PTC bear the CD4 surface antigen (Leu-3a+ and OKT4+), the transferrin receptor (OKT9+), and components of the HLA class-II antigens (TU35+, TU39+, Leu-10+). Surprisingly, PTC were stained by two monoclonal antibodies recognizing monocytes and macrophages (Ki-M6 and Ki-M7). Finally, Leu-8, which detects most mature T lymphocytes, also identified the PTC, and all pan T-cell markers (Leu-1, UCHT 1, and Lyt 3) were constantly negative. The cytogenesis and the functional properties of PTC remain a matter of discussion.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antigens, Surface / immunology
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Female
  • HLA Antigens / immunology
  • Humans
  • Lymph Nodes / pathology
  • Middle Aged
  • Phenotype
  • Receptors, Transferrin / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / classification*
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antigens, Surface
  • HLA Antigens
  • Receptors, Transferrin