Immunological markers in hairy-cell leukaemia

The dissertation consists of six chapters. Chapter 1 presents a brief introduction on immunological markers. Chapter 2 describes the discovery of a previously unrecognised marker in hairy-cell leukaemia (HCL), a receptor for IgM. The rosette method used to reveal this receptor, and the conditions affecting rosette formation are described. A kinetic study of this receptor is used to provide a measure of membrane turnover in HCL. The distribution of the IgM receptor among normal and malignant haemic cells is investigated. Chapter 3 considers a variety of other immunological markers in HCL. Previous controversy in the literature concerning the presence of a receptor for complement on hairy cells is resolved and new information is provided about the presence of other markers on hairy cells. Chapter 4 presents experiments designed to investigate conflicting evidence regarding the nature of the hairy cell. Monocytic properties are measured and weighed against features of hairy cells which align them with the B-lymphocyte series. The presence of intrinsic surface immunoglobulin (Sig) is used as evidence for the B-cell nature of HCL. The results obtained showing only IgG on the surface of some cases of HCL, and multiple heavy chain isotypes on others, provide a solution to the confused literature regarding the presence of SIg on hairy cells. Two unusual cases of immunoproliferative diseases are extensively investigated in Chapter 5 in order to demonstrate some of the problems associated with immunological marker studies. Chapter 6 reviews the thesis and draws conclusions about the nosology of HCL. A possible position for HCL in schemes of B-cell differentiation is given. Several papers of unconnected work submitted during the period of research for the dissertation are also included for consideration by the Examiners.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

Doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Cambridge

Year dc:date.issued

1979

Author dc:creator

• Burns, Gordon Frood

Licence

• https://www.repository.cam.ac.uk/bitstreams/a813080f-719f-43bc-a6be-1c76d4126abf/download
• https://www.rioxx.net/licenses/all-rights-reserved/

Language dc:language

eng

DOI dc:identifier.doi

https://doi.org/10.17863/CAM.44986

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.repository.cam.ac.uk:1810/297932