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Biomedical subjects

W Knapp

Publications and source records attributed to W Knapp.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1995

Granulocyte activation via a binding site near the C-terminal region of complement receptor type 3 alpha-chain (CD11b) potentially involved in intramembrane complex formation with glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored Fc gamma RIIIB (CD16) molecules.

We report that engagement of a particular epitope near the C-terminal region of complement receptor type 3 (CR3, CD11b/CD18) alpha-chain with CD11b mAb VIM12 induces granulocyte activation with a rise in cytosolic-free Ca2+, actin polymerization, an up-regulation of CR3 cell surface expression and enhanced adhesiveness. Induction of enhanced adhesiveness and homotypic aggregation of human granulocytes represents an active process. It is temperature and energy dependent, requires divalent cations, and an intact cytoskeleton. The mAb VIM12-induced enhanced adhesiveness seems to be mediated, at least in part, by activated CR3 molecules. It can be significantly inhibited, although not completely abolished, with blocking mAbs against adhesiotopes of CR3. VIM12-induced adhesion could be blocked with the serine/threonine inhibitors okadaic acid and calyculin A and with dibuturyl-cAMP but not with the protein kinase inhibitors herbimycin A and staurosporine. We further present evidence that the particular molecular region of CR3 recognized by mAb VIM12 might be involved in the reported intramembrane sugar-lectin type interaction and complex formation between transmembrane CR3 and glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored Fc gamma RIIIB (CD16) molecules on human granulocytes. Binding of mAb VIM12 to CR3 on granulocytes enhances the release of GPI-anchored Fc gamma RIIIB molecules from granulocytes upon phosphoinositol-phospholipase C treatment. The sugar preparation N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, previously shown to dissociate CR3-Fc gamma RIIIB complex formation, inhibits mAb VIM12 binding. Engagement of CR3 with mAb VIM12 may thus mimic a biologically relevant intramembrane cooperation between two distinct receptor molecules on human granulocytes.

Actins↗
PubMed1995

Urokinase plasminogen activator receptor, beta 2-integrins, and Src-kinases within a single receptor complex of human monocytes.

The glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored membrane protein urokinase plasminogen activator-receptor (uPA-R; CD87) is one of the key molecules involved in migration of leukocytes and tumor cells. uPA bound to uPA-R provides the cell proteolytic potential used for degradation of extracellular matrix. uPA-R is also involved in induction of cell adhesion and chemotaxis. Here, we provide a molecular explanation for these uPA-R-related cellular events. By size fractionation of monocyte lysate and affinity isolation on its natural ligand uPA, we demonstrate uPA-R as a component of a receptor complex of relatively large size. Reprecipitation and immunoblotting techniques allowed us to detect the protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) p60fyn, p53/56lyn, p58/64hck, and p59fgr as components of this "uPA-R complex". Activation of monocytes even with enzymatically inactivated uPA resulted in induction of tyrosine phosphorylation, suggesting modulation of uPA-R-associated PTKs upon ligand binding. In spite of their presence in large complexes, we did not find the GPI-linked proteins CD14, CD58, and CD59 in the uPA-R complex, which indicates the presence of different receptor domains containing GPI-linked proteins in monocytes. However, we identified the leukocyte integrins LFA-1 and CR3 as components of the uPA-R complex as indicated by coisolation of these molecules, as well as by cocapping and comodulation of uPA-R and leukocyte integrins on the monocyte surface. The assemblage of uPA-R, PTKs and membrane spanning beta 2-integrins in one receptor complex indicates functional cooperation. In regard to the involvement of these molecules in pericellular proteolysis, signal transduction, as well as adhesion and chemotactic movement, we suggest uPA-R complex as a potential cellular device for cell migration.

Antigens, CD↗
PubMed1995

Crosslinking of CD27 in the presence of CD28 costimulation results in T cell proliferation and cytokine production.

Monoclonal antibodies recognizing CD27, a member of the nerve growth factor receptor family, have been observed to enhance or inhibit PHA- or CD3 mAb-stimulated T cell proliferation. In this study, we investigate the effects of CD27 stimulation on the proliferation and cytokine production of T cells stimulated simultaneously through CD3, CD2, or CD28. Here we report that simultaneous crosslinking of CD27 plus CD28 results in T cell proliferation and in the production of IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, and IFN-gamma. CD27 plus CD28 stimulation thus introduces a novel Ag-independent pathway of T cell activation. We further show that all major T cell subsets (CD4+, CD8+, CD4+CD45RA+, or CD4+CD45RO+ T cells) respond to CD27 plus CD28-mediated costimulation. Synergistic effects on T cell stimulation are also found when CD27 is crosslinked on cells stimulated simultaneously through CD3 or CD2. In further experiments we show that crosslinking of CD27 elevates cytoplasmic free Ca2+ levels. Finally, both the CD3 plus CD27 and the CD28 plus CD27-stimulated T cell proliferation is sensitive to inhibition by CsA. Taken together, these data emphasize the importance of CD27 stimulation in the context of simultaneously received signals through CD3, CD2 or, most importantly, through CD28. Furthermore, signaling through CD27 appears to involve Ca(2+)-dependent mechanisms sensitive to CsA.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1995

High IL-4 production is a stable phenotype of CD8negCD45RAnegCD27neg T cells.

CD27neg T cells are found only among CD4pos-CD45ROpos T cells and represent a T cell subset functionally distinct from CD27pos T cells. We examined CD4posCD45ROpos T cells that were sorted into CD27neg and CD27pos populations for their cytokine production in response to different activation pathways. We found that CD27neg T cells are characterized by high IL-4 and low IL-2 production, regardless of whether the cells were activated through CD3 plus CD28, CD2 plus CD28, or PHA plus PMA. However, subpopulation-specific patterns of cytokines were the clearest demonstrable following CD2 plus CD28 stimulation. We conclude from these data that high IL-4 production is a stable phenotype of CD27neg T cells.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Flow cytometric analysis of intracellular CD68 molecule expression in normal and malignant haemopoiesis.

CD68 molecules are heavily glycosylated lysosomal membrane constituents of unknown function with strong expression in monocytes and macrophages. Using flow cytometry, we quantified expression levels of CD68 molecules in normal and malignant haemopoietic cells. CD68 molecules are intensely expressed in the cytoplasm and weakly on the surface of mature CD14+ monocytes. CD68 expression seems to start very early during granulomonopoietic differentiation. Virtually all myeloperoxidase (MPO)+ bone marrow cells coexpress CD68 and similar proportions of CD34+ progenitor cells weakly express CD68 or MPO molecules. During further differentiation, CD68 expression is strongly up-regulated in early MPO+ precursor cells which lack lactoferrin (LF) and CD14 molecules. Compared to these, more mature MPO+LF+ bone marrow and peripheral blood granulocytes express considerable lower levels of CD68. In-line with this broad expression, all investigated acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) cases, classified as FAB M1-M5, were CD68 positive, and compared to normal CD34+ bone marrow cells. CD34+ AML blast cells expressed increased levels. CD68 expression is, however, not restricted to cells of myeloid origin, because a subset (40 +/- 15%, n = 6) of CD19+ peripheral blood B-lymphocytes and 50% of B-ALL are also weakly positive. In contrast, normal CD3+ lymphocytes lack (< 3%, n = 6) CD68 and only low proportions (6 +/- 3%, n = 6) of CD56+ NK cells are CD68+. Also, all investigated T-ALL cases (n = 6) lacked CD68.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1995

[Phenotypic characterization of human hematopoietic stem cells].

Mature hematopoietic cells of all lineages are derived from committed progenitor cells, which in turn are thought to originate from pluripotential stem cells. On the basis of in vitro clonogenic assay systems, different stages within this progenitor or stem cell compartment have been identified. Using cell separation techniques, it has been shown that all in vitro clonogenic cells are included in the minor population of bone marrow or peripheral blood cells expressing the CD34 molecule. CD34 positive cells have further been subdivided into subsets of clonogenic cells by their coexpression of certain characteristic molecules. Based on these immunophenotypic features, it has been shown that most immature multipotential clonogenic cells may be separated from the majority of already lineage committed colony forming cells. Additionally, within the committed progenitor compartment, molecules have been described allowing the specific identification of the earliest stages of granulomonocytic, erythroid or lymphoid cell differentiation. Apart from these lineage or differentiation stage specific molecules, CD34+ cells express a number of molecules that are supposed to function as cytoadhesion structures or cytokine receptors enabling these cells to interact with their stroma microenvironment.

Antigens, CD↗
PubMed1995

Proposals for the immunological classification of acute leukemias. European Group for the Immunological Characterization of Leukemias (EGIL).

Criteria for the immunological classification of acute leukemias are proposed by a recently established European group designated EGIL. The main aims of EGIL are to establish guidelines for the characterization of acute leukemias based on marker expression and provide a uniform basis for the diagnosis of the various types of these hemopoietic malignancies which should be helpful for future multinational clinical and laboratory investigations. Within the two major types (B and T cell lineage) of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), several groups are delineated according to the degree of cell differentiation. Within the acute myeloid leukemias (AML), only three subtypes as defined by the FAB classification: M0-AML, M6-AML and M7-AML, can be unequivocally defined by immunological markers; prospective studies are undertaken to see whether characteristic immunological profiles are associated with particular AML subtypes defined by specific cytogenetic abnormalities. Criteria for the definition of biphenotypic acute leukemia (BAL) are devised and a scoring system is outlined aimed to distinguish BAL from those acute leukemias with expression of a marker from another lineage. In addition, an uncommon subset of acute leukemias with no evidence of lymphoid or myeloid differentiation is recognized and the useful panel of markers to investigate and establish the cell nature of the acute leukemias is outlined. EGIL will focus in the future on testing the reproducibility of the proposed guidelines, particularly those for BAL, assessing their clinical value within a framework of multicentric trials and setting up uniform methodological criteria.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1995

[Collection and long-term preservation of peripheral stem cells].

The methods of collection and storage of peripheral blood stem cells are described, and the harvesting after conditioning with cytokines and/or myelosuppressive therapy is discussed. It could be demonstrated that the combination of cytostatics and cytokines gives the best yield and enables to collect a sufficient amount of peripheral bloodstem cells for a successful engraftment after myeloablative therapy with only few aphereses.

Antineoplastic Agents↗
PubMed1995

High-level IL-10 production by monoclonal antibody-stimulated human T cells.

We investigated interleukin-10 (IL-10) production in freshly isolated mononuclear cells and purified T cells in response to stimulation with monoclonal antibodies (mAb) recognizing CD3, CD2 and CD28, or with the bacterial products Staphylococcus aureus cells (SAC), staphylococcal enterotoxin (SEA) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). IL-10 production was compared with that of IL-2, IL-4 and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). Similar to the other cytokines, in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from adult donors the highest IL-10 levels were produced in response to CD2 plus CD28 stimulation, within 72-96 hr of stimulation. Levels of IL-10 in response to CD2 plus CD28 stimulation (1.9 +/- 1 ng/ml) exceeded those in response to SEA (0.25 +/- 0.16 ng/ml), SAC (0.43 +/- 0.42 ng/ml), or LPS (0.19 +/- 0.14 ng/ml) stimulation. With adult purified T cells, high levels of IL-10 and IL-4 were measured following CD3 plus CD28 stimulation, and the amounts of both T-helper type-2 (Th2) cytokines decreased following the addition of phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), whereas the synthesis of the Th1 cytokines IL-2 and IFN-gamma was enhanced. When PBMC were stimulated with a CD3 mAb and different other cytokines were added, strong enhancement of IL-10 production was seen upon the addition of IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-12 and IFN-gamma, whereas inhibition was found with transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1). These data illustrate that in freshly isolated PBMC large amounts of IL-10 can be induced rapidly by appropriate mAb stimulation, and that even in freshly isolated cells IL-4 and IL-10 show signs of parallel regulation.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1994

Flow cytometric analysis of cell-surface and intracellular antigens in leukemia diagnosis.

New technology allows highly sensitive flow cytometric detection and quantitative analysis of intracellular antigens in normal and malignant hemopoietic cells. With this technology, the earliest stages of myeloid and lymphoid differentiation can easily and reliably be identified using antibodies directed against (pro-)myeloperoxidase/MPO, CD22 and CD3 antigens, respectively. Particularly for the analysis of undifferentiated acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) cells, the immunological demonstration of intracellular MPO or its enzymatically inactive proforms is highly relevant, since other myeloid marker molecules such as CD33, CD13, or CDw65 are either not restricted to the granulomonocytic lineage or appear later in differentiation. By combining MPO staining with staining for lactoferrin (LF), undifferentiated cells can be distinguished from the granulomonocytic maturation compartment in bone marrow, since LF is selectively expressed from the myelocyte stage of differentiation onward. The list of informative intracellular antigens to be used in leukemia cell analysis will certainly expand in the near future. One candidate, intracellular CD68, has already been tested by us, and results are presented. Also dealt within this article are surface marker molecules not (as yet) widely used in leukemia cell analysis but with the potential to provide important additional information. Among them are the surface structures CD15, CD15s, CDw65, CD79a (MB-1), CD79b (B29), CD87 (uPA-R), and CD117 (c-kit).

Antigens, CD↗
PubMed1994

TGF-beta 1 is a potent inducer of human effector T cells.

TGF-beta 1 is known to modulate lymphocyte activation affecting cell proliferation and the production of cytokines and Igs. Little is known about the characteristics of T cells grown in the presence of TGF-beta 1. We have stimulated human T cells with PHA in the presence of TGF-beta 1 under serum-free conditions for 7 days and characterized the resulting cell population. TGF-beta 1 (0.0032 to 10 ng/ml) affected neither [3H]thymidine incorporation (day 4) nor cell yield (day 7) in these cultures. However, cells activated in the presence of TGF-beta 1 proliferated vigorously in secondary cultures and produced highly elevated amounts of IL-2 (12 +/- 3-fold enhancement of IL-2 production in response to CD2 plus CD28 stimulation compared with control cells, mean +/- SEM; n = 10). The enhancing effects of TGF-beta 1 were demonstrable over a wide range of concentrations (0.4 to 10 ng/ml). The increased IL-2 protein production was paralleled by a dramatic up-regulation of IL-2 mRNA. In addition, cells precultured with TGF-beta 1 responded with enhanced cluster formation in the secondary cultures. With regard to their phenotype, we observed an increased expression of the alpha E beta 7-integrin human mucosal lymphocyte-1 and of the CD2-restricted epitope CD2R, whereas the expression of CD11a was slightly decreased. In contrast, TGF-beta 1 did not influence the constitutive or activation-induced expression of CD4, CD8, CD45RA, CD45RO, CD25, CD71, CD54, CD58, CD59, and B7. We conclude that TGF-beta 1 supports the generation of human effector cells with a strongly enhanced capacity to respond to subsequent restimulation.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1994

Co-ligation of CD31 and Fc gamma RII induces cytokine production in human monocytes.

The CD31 (PECAM-1) cell surface glycoprotein is considered to be involved in intercellular recognition and adhesion. Cytokines play a major role in cellular interactions, and therefore it was of interest to study whether engagement of CD31 affects synthesis and release of proadhesive cytokines. Here we demonstrate that immobilized CD31 mAb 1B5 induces the release of TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, and IL-8 from human PBMCs. CD11b mAb VIM12 and HLA-D mAb VID1, both of which are of the same Ig subclass as mAb 1B5 (IgG1), as well as nonbinding isotype control mAb VIAP, were ineffective. That the effect was caused by the mAb, but not endotoxin contamination, was shown by negative Limulus amebocyte lysate tests and coculture with polymyxin B, which did not abolish TNF-alpha release. Cytokine production through intact mAb 1B5 was completely blocked by soluble F(ab) fragments of anti-IgG Fc gamma RII mAb IV.3, suggesting a significant contribution of that FcR. Cross-linking of neither CD31 nor Fc gamma RII molecules with the respective F(ab) fragments induced TNF-alpha release, but nonbinding control IgG1 Ab was able to restore the response of PBMC to 1B5 F(ab) fragments, when both Ab preparations were coated concomitantly. Therefore, only coligation of CD31 and Fc gamma RII appears to transduce activation signals leading to cytokine production. Our findings thus indicate a novel functional aspect of CD31 molecules that might play an important role in the propagation of an ongoing immune response as well as in the regulation of cell-cell interactions during inflammatory reactions.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1994

Signaling and induction of enhanced cytoadhesiveness via the hematopoietic progenitor cell surface molecule CD34.

The transmembrane glycoprotein CD34 shows a highly restricted expression on a crucial subset of hematopoietic cells. We show here that engagement of particular determinants of CD34 can lead to signal transduction and to enhanced adhesiveness of CD34+ hematopoietic cells. Monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) directed against O-sialoglycoprotease-sensitive epitopes of CD34 (QBEND10, ICH3, BI.3C5, MY10) but not MoAbs against O-sialoglycoprotease-resistant epitopes (9F2, 8G12) induce actin polymerization in KG-1a and KG-1 cells and strongly enhanced cytoadhesiveness. The capacity to induce adhesion requires cellular energy, divalent cations, and intact cytoskeleton but not de novo protein synthesis. The observed cytoadhesion seems at least in part to be caused by a concomitant activation of the beta 2 integrin cytoadhesion pathway. It can be significantly inhibited with lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 and intercelluar adhesion molecule-1 antibodies. Protein kinase inhibition analyses suggest that the pathways initiated by engagement of the CD34 molecule with certain CD34 MoAbs involves protein tyrosine kinases but that protein kinase C is not critically involved.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1994

Stimulation of T cells via CD44 requires leukocyte-function-associated antigen interactions and interleukin-2 production.

This article reports the results of the analysis of the activation signals delivered to T and B cells by means of the CD44 molecule and an agonistic mAb, i.e., CB05 mAb, which is able to induce cell activation and aggregation upon binding. The functional effects culminate in T-cell proliferation in the presence of autologous accessory cells. Such effects are barely detectable in thymocytes, while B cells prove refractory to the action of the agonistic mAb. All of these events have been followed by the expression of surface activation markers, by the transcription of selected cytokine genes (IFN-gamma, IL-4, and GM-CSF), and by the secretion of IL-2. Cell activation via CD44 has been evaluated as to its relationship with CD3 and CD2 activation pathways, proving synergistic with the latter. The CD44 signaling is protein kinase dependent. Furthermore, the role of surface molecules as cosignals in the CD44 pathway has been analyzed, showing that CD11a (and its ligand CD54), HLA class I, and CD25 are instrumental in the implementation of (a) efficient activation/proliferation signals and (b) a potent cytotoxic potential.

Carrier Proteins↗
PubMed1994

Transforming growth factor-beta inhibits IL-4 and IFN-gamma production by stimulated human T cells.

The present study investigates the effect of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta on the production of IL-4 and IFN-gamma by the leukemia Th0 type cell line HUT78, by freshly isolated human T cells, and by antigen specific human T cell clones. We found that IL-4 and IFN-gamma, but not IL-2, production by stimulated HUT78 cells was inhibited by TGF-beta 1. TGF-beta 1 also reduced the accumulation of IL-4 and IFN-gamma specific mRNA in stimulated HUT78 cells. However, IL-2 and IL-7 co-stimulated IL-4 and IFN-gamma production, whereas IL-1, IL-3, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-alpha or granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor had no effect. Because IL-2 is an important helper cytokine for the production of IL-4 and IFN-gamma, we investigated whether signal transduction through the IL-2 receptor is impaired by TGF-beta 1. We found that tyrosine phosphorylation in response to IL-2 in HUT78 cells was strongly inhibited by a short preincubation with TGF-beta 1. Evidence for an antagonistic role for TGF-beta 1 and IL-2 comes from the finding that high doses of IL-2 could partially overcome TGF-beta 1 mediated inhibition of IL-4 and IFN-gamma production. Similar to its effect on HUT78 cells, TGF-beta 1 also inhibited IL-4 and IFN-gamma production by freshly isolated T cells as well as by human T cell clones. Taken together, our experiments show that the IL-2 dependent cytokines IL-4 and IFN-gamma are both negatively controlled by TGF-beta under conditions where IL-2 production is unaffected by a mechanism which partially involves an inhibition of IL-2/IL-2R signal transduction. These data identify TGF-beta and IL-2 as mutual antagonists in the regulation of IL-4 and IFN-gamma production.

Blotting, Northern↗
PubMed1994

Signal transduction via Fc gamma R and Mac-1 alpha-chain in monocytes and polymorphonuclear leucocytes.

Some (VIM12, Leu-15, 5A4.C5), but not all, Mac-1-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAb) induced a clear respiratory burst in unprimed monocytes but not in unprimed polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMN). We showed that this monocyte stimulation occurred via formation of Mac-1 mAb-Fc gamma RI or Mac-1 mAb-Fc gamma RII complexes, as human monomeric IgG1 could completely block the respiratory burst induced by the murine IgG2a subclass anti-Mac-1 mAb Leu-15 and the Fc gamma RII-specific mAb IV.3 inhibited respiratory burst formation by IgG1 subclass anti-Mac-1 mAb VIM12 and 5A4.C5, respectively. F(ab')2 fragments of mAb VIM12 did not stimulate. This association between Mac-1 and Fc gamma RII may be due to a near spatial association between these molecules in monocytes, as we observed partial inhibition of FITC-labelled anti-Fc gamma RII mAb IV.3 binding after prior incubation with mAb VIM12. If monocytes were preincubated with mAb IV.3 or aggregated IgG, there was partial inhibition of mAb VIM12 binding. The non-stimulating anti-Mac-1 mAb (JML.H11,44, OKM1, LM2/1, Mo1) did not show any significant competition with mAb IV.3 binding to Fc gamma RII. Both non-stimulating CD18-specific mAb, however, showed strong competition with mAb IV.3 binding to Fc gamma RII. On unprimed PMN, the situation was different. No Mac-1-specific mAb induced a respiratory burst and there was no competitive inhibition between anti-Mac-1 mAb and antibodies binding to Fc gamma RII. In interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma)-primed PMN, however, we observed a functional association between Mac-1 and Fc gamma RI as IgG2a subclass mAb Leu-15 induced a respiratory burst which could be inhibited by monomeric human IgG1, as observed in monocytes. However, no other anti-Mac-1 mAb was able to induce a respiratory burst in IFN-gamma-primed PMN. Therefore, a similar signal transducing capability may exist between Mac-1 and Fc gamma RI on both monocytes and PMN, despite a different relationship between Mac-1 and Fc gamma RII on these cell populations. As no Mac-1 beta-chain-specific (CD18)mAb were able to induce a respiratory burst in monocytes, despite being able to interact with Fc gamma R via their Fc regions, as detected by competition with mAb IV.3 for binding to Fc gamma RII, we conclude that intracellular signalling via Mac-1 mAb-Fc gamma RII complexes requires the alpha-chain.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed1993

Myeloperoxidase expression in CD34+ normal human hematopoietic cells.

Bone marrow (BM), adult peripheral blood (aPB), and umbilical cord blood (CB) samples contain small proportions of CD34+ cells that include virtually all hematopoietic progenitor cells. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is considered to be selectively expressed in cells committed to granulomonocytic differentiation. Using flow cytometry and an antibody against MPO, we studied at which stage of normal hematopoietic differentiation CD34+ cells being to express MPO. We consistently observed a characteristic MPO/CD34 staining pattern and found that 35% +/- 9% of CD34+ BM cells express MPO. The MPO+ CD34+ subset and the CD33+ CD34+ subset were of similar size and overlapped considerably. MPO+ CD34+ cells expressed high levels of HLA-D molecules, were weakly CD71/transferrin receptor positive to negative, were CD45RA+ and lacked the CD45RO isoform of the leukocyte common antigen. Additionally, MPO+ CD34+ cells were on average larger in size than MPO- CD34+ cells. Virtually identical phenotypic features have previously been described for in vitro colony-forming granulomonocytic progenitor cells. In vitro clonogenic assays performed with MPO-enriched and MPO-depleted fractions of CD34+ BM cells performed by us also suggest, but do not formally prove, that at least a portion of MPO+ CD34+ cells have in vitro cluster (10 to 50 cells/colony) or colony-forming unit granulocyte-macrophage (> or = 50 cells/colony) forming capacity. CD34+ cells from CB and aPB resembled CD34+ BM cells in that considerable proportions of them coexpressed CD33. However, in contrast to BM, CD34+ cells from CB and aPB samples lacked significant MPO expression and, in line with this, the majority of them (CB, 59% +/- 7%; aPB, 66% +/- 5%) coexpressed CD45RO.

Adult↗