Subtypes of Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma Defined by Expression of Leu-1 and Ia

Monoclonal antibodies were used to characterize immunohistologically the expression of cellular antigens in 25 patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). Although all cases expressed the Leu-2a-/Leu-3a+ immunophenotype characteristic of helper T cells, four subtypes were defined based on variable expression of Leu-1 and Ia. In individual patients, the immunophenotype was constant irrespective of body compartment sampled or interim therapy. Ia+ non T-cells typically constituted one-third of the cellular infiltrate. Along with neoplastic cells, Ia+/T6+ dendritic cells were observed within Pautrier microabscesses, dermis, and individually throughout the epidermis. It will be important to determine if different CTCL immunophenotypes represent different biologic subsets of disease or have prognostic relevance. Prospective studies will be facilitated by single- and double-label immunohistologic techniques that allow the simultaneous evaluation of cellular antigen expression and architectural detail.