Which cells have the ability of self-renewal and multilineage differentiation?

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CD34+ Cells Have the Two Unique Biologic Characteristics of Self-Renewal and Multilineage Differentiation

The answer is B. CD34+ cells are the cells that possess the unique biological characteristics of self-renewal and multilineage differentiation.

Understanding Stem Cell Properties

Stem cells are defined by three general properties according to the NIH definition 1:

  1. Capability of dividing and renewing themselves for long periods
  2. Being unspecialized
  3. Ability to give rise to specialized cell types

These properties are specifically found in CD34+ cells in the hematopoietic system, which serve as hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) with both self-renewal and multilineage differentiation capabilities.

Evidence Supporting CD34+ Cells as Stem Cells

CD34+ cells have been extensively studied and characterized as hematopoietic stem cells:

  • CD34+ cells isolated from bone marrow contain primitive hematopoietic progenitor cells capable of self-renewal and multilineage differentiation 2
  • CD34+ HLA-DR- marrow cells specifically contain progenitor cells (CFU-B1) that possess the capacity for self-renewal and commitment to multipotential differentiation 2
  • CD34+ cells can sustain long-term hematopoiesis in vitro for up to 8 weeks, demonstrating their self-renewal properties 2
  • CD34+ cells are capable of multilineage differentiation into various blood cell types 3

Why Other Options Are Incorrect

  • CD33: CD33 is a marker found on myeloid progenitors and mature myeloid cells but is not specifically associated with self-renewal and multilineage differentiation. It is listed in guidelines as a precursor marker but not as a stem cell marker 1.

  • CD4: CD4 is primarily a marker for T helper cells and does not identify cells with stem cell properties. It is not mentioned in any of the guidelines as having stem cell characteristics.

  • CD10: CD10 is a marker found on B-cell progenitors and some other cell types but does not specifically identify cells with both self-renewal and multilineage differentiation capabilities 1.

Clinical and Research Significance

The identification of CD34+ cells as having stem cell properties has important clinical applications:

  • CD34+ cells are used for bone marrow transplantation in the treatment of hematologic malignancies, immune deficiencies, and metabolic disorders 1
  • The isolation and expansion of CD34+ cells is critical for hematopoietic reconstitution after high-dose chemotherapy 3
  • CD34+ cells can be mobilized into peripheral blood for collection and transplantation 4

Key Characteristics of CD34+ Cells

  • They represent a subset of progenitor cells capable of self-renewal and multilineage differentiation 4
  • They can be further enriched for more primitive hematopoietic progenitor cells using additional markers 5
  • They possess the ability for long-term reconstitution of the lymphohematopoietic system 6
  • They can be expanded ex vivo while maintaining their stem cell properties 3

In summary, CD34+ cells uniquely possess the two biological characteristics of self-renewal and multilineage differentiation that define stem cells, making option B the correct answer.

References

1
Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

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This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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