Abstract
The concept that a pluripotent stem cell exists and has the capacity eventually to give rise to mature B and T cells is uncontestable. However, the precise development relationship between pluripotent stem cells and the earliest stages of B-cell and T-cell development are still obscure. Patterns of gene expression are being identified that characterize normal B-cell and T-cell precursors, and the regulatory variables that influence self-renewal and differentiation of these cells. These are important studies because childhood lymphoblastic leukemia almost always manifests a cellular phenotype consonant with an immature lymphoid cell. A comprehensive understanding of the etiology of acute lymphoblastic leukemia will likely be hastened by a more thorough understanding of normal lymphopoiesis. This knowledge will complement the large data base that currently characterizes lymphoblastic leukemia in children.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 835-847 |
Number of pages | 13 |
Journal | Hematology/Oncology Clinics of North America |
Volume | 4 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 1 1990 |