Human mononuclear phagocytes differentiation antigens.

Cell surface antigenic analysis using 10 different monoclonal antibodies indicates the following. (a) The membrane antigenic phenotype of various members of the mononuclear phagocyte lineage is characterized by the co-expression of multiple but distinct antigenic determinants. (b) The maturational evolution of the cells is associated with qualitative and/or quantitative modifications of cell surface antigens resulting in the definition of different phenotypic entities. (c) In vitro culture of blood monocytes is accompanied by significant modulation of these antigens. In particular, the expression of MoP-15 appears to be modulated following in vitro activation. (d) The occurrence of these antigens on various normal and leukemic cell populations provides a basis for the establishment of defined patterns of antigenic expression corresponding to successive maturational states of the human mononuclear phagocyte cell lineage. (e) The reactivity of AML cells with various antibodies defines patterns of antigen expression related to the degree of leukemic cell maturity. These patterns change during culture.