IMMUNOSUPPRESSOR ACTIVITY OF B-CELLS IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC LYMPHOLEUKEMIA - POSSIBLE ROLE IN THE PATHOGENESIS OF CHRONIC LYMPHOCYTIC-LEUKEMIA

The data presented indicate that B cells from patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) may produce suppressive factors capable of inhibiting T and B cell proliferation and Ig secretion. Two factors with the molecular weight 65-75 KDa (SBF1) and 15-25 KDa (SBF2) have been characterized. SBFs are primarily produced by B cells with a low flow density. There is a reverse dependence between the capacity of leukemic B cells for spontaneous Ig secretion and their ability for the production of suppressive factors. The autocrine and paracrine pathways of B cell regulation in the pathogenesis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia are discussed.