Abstract
The designation of K cells, effector cells of antibody-dependent cell mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), as T, B, or null cells has been controversial. Using reciprocally absorbed rabbit antisera to autologous T and B lymphoblast cell lines HSB and SB which detect human T and B lymphocyte antigens (HTLA and HBLA) (Blood 49:371, 1977; Clin. Immunol. Immunopath. 8:530, 1977) we now demonstrate that K cells are HTLA-positive/HBLA-negative. Peripheral lymphocytes purified by nylon column filtration were incubated with anti-HTLA, anti-HBLA or normal rabbit serum plus complement. Viable cells remaining were then tested in a 51Cr-release assay for cytotoxicity against antibody coated Chang liver cells. Treatment with anti-HTLA + C but not anti-HBLA + C abrogated ADCC. This was due to lysis of K cells rather than antigen-antibody complex inhibition since no effect was seen with heat-inactivated complement. These findings support the concept that K cells belong to the T cell lineage.
(Supported by NIH Grant CA17534. J.K is recipient of NIH RCDA CA00188).
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Kaplan, J. 705 KILLER (K) CELLS RESPONSIBLE FOR ANTIBODY-DEPENDENT CELL MEDIATED CYTOTOXICITY EXPRESS HUMAN T LYMPHOCYTE ANTIGENS. Pediatr Res 12 (Suppl 4), 481 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-00710
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-00710