Human T lymphocyte subpopulations: correlation between E-rosette-forming affinity and expression of the Fc receptor
West, W.H.; Payne, S.M.; Weese, J.L.; Herberman, R.B.
Journal of Immunology 119(2): 548-554
1977
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-1767 PMID: 301896 Document Number: 123297
EG, whereas high-affinity E-RFC do not. When high-affinity E-RFC were isolated from mononuclear cell suspensions, very few (2 .+-. 1%) of these lymphocytes formed rosettes with IgG-sensitized chick red blood cells (EA). When the remaining low-affinity E-RFC were than isolated, up to 85% formed rosettes with chick EA. When lymphocytes were incubated with erythrocyte monolayers sensitized with high concentrations of IgG, low-affinity E-RFC adhered to these EA monolayers. High affinity E-RFC failed to attach to immune complexes. Virtually all E-RFC in thymus, tonsil and lymph node formed high-affinity E rosettes and failed to bind chick EA. Spleen cell suspensions contained a low-affinity E-RFC subset and E-RFC capable of binding chick EA. The proportion of low-affinity E-RFC in the peripheral blood of normal subjects correlated closely with the proportion of Fc-positive E-RFC among the mononuclear cells of those individuals. There may be a close association between the presence of the Fc receptor on human T cells and the affinity with which those cells bind SRBC. Modified E rosette procedures permit rapid identification or isolation of high-affinity, Fc-negative and low-affinity, Fc-positive E-RFC subpopulations.