Transformation of human leukocytes by co-cultivation with HTLV-1-associated myelopathy patients' leukocytes.

Sera and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from patients with human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1)-associated myelopathy (HAM) were analyzed by Western blotting, and normal human leukocytes were transformed by co-cultivation with HAM patients' leukocytes. The sera and CSF from all HAM patients formed specific bands with HTLV-1 viral proteins, including p19, p24, p28, p32, p40 and p53. After 2-3 weeks of co-cultivation, scattered foci of cell aggregates were noted on macrophage sheets. Surface markers of the transformed cells were OKT3(+), OKT4(+), OKT8(-), IL-2 receptor(+) and EBNA(-). Chromosome analysis showed a normal karyotype. HTLV-1 viral genome was integrated into DNA isolated from transformed cell lines. Electron microscopy revealed type C virus particles in transformed T-cell lines. These results indicate that peripheral leukocytes from HAM patients can transform HTLV-1-negative leukocytes and HAM patients have the potential to acquire adult T-cell leukemia in the future.