Articles

FURTHER DELINEATION OF THE IMMUNOARCHITECTURE OF THE HUMAN SPLEEN

Authors: TM Grogan ( ) , CS Rangel ( ) , LC Richter ( ) , DP Wirt ( ) , HV Villar ( )

Abstract

Using a battery of monoclonal antibodies directed at B and T cell antigens, we delineate the immunotopography of the human spleen. The tissue section immunohistochemical methods employed demonstrate the complexity of white pulp reactivity with both light and heavy chain immunoglobulin expression appearing polyclonal. Zonal expression of heavy chains suggests an anatomic basis for the known sequence of heavy chain switching due to immunoglobulin gene rearrangement. Localization of universal B-cell antigen, B₁, delineates the entire B-cell zone whereas antibodies directed at universal T antigens (e.g. Leu I ,4,9) delineate the T cell zone. Leu 14 demonstrates striking B-zone staining in normal spleen and in hairy cell leukemia, suggesting that leukemic cells in this disease arise from Leu 14⁺ B cells. Leu 2a staining occurs not only on lymphoid cells but probably also on sinusoidal endothelial lining cells.

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How to Cite: Grogan, T. , Rangel, C. , Richter, L. , Wirt, D. & Villar, H. (1984) “FURTHER DELINEATION OF THE IMMUNOARCHITECTURE OF THE HUMAN SPLEEN”, Lymphology. 17(2).