IMMUNOHISTOLOGIC STUDIES ON SUBPOPULATIONS OF LYMPHOCYTES IN CATTLE WITH ENZOOTIC BOVINE LEUKOSIS

The distribution of subpopulations of lymphocytes in lymph nodes and tumors from cattle with enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL) was examined by immunohistochemistry using a panel of monclonal antibodies against leukocyte differentiation molecules of EBL. The lesions in lymph nodes could be divided into three types based on the extent of infiltration and proliferation of neoplastic cells with provirus and differential expression of leukocyte differentiation molecules. The number of B-B2(+), sIgM(+) cells was reduced in frequency in follicles during the neoplastic cell proliferation. CD4- and CD8-positive alpha/beta T cells and gamma/delta T cells positive for WC1 (workshop cluster designation) were also reduced in frequency in areas infiltrated with neoplastic cells. Almost all neoplastic cells were B-B2- and IgM-positive. However, there were a few B-B2- and/or IgM-negative cells or cells stained faintly in all cases. WCl+ cells were not observed in tumor tissues. However, CD4(+) and CD8(+) cells were observed throughout tumor tissues, suggesting a role for these cells in tumor immunity.