Identification of NK cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes.

摘要

A method for distinguishing between NK cells and T lymphocytes is provided, which comprises contacting a sample containing lymphocytes with a first reagent comprising anti-CD3 and a first detectable label and a second reagent comprising a mixture of anti-CD16 and anti-GP160 (Leu-19) both labeled with a second detectable label, and identifying cells that react with the reagents, whereby cells that react with the first reagent are identified as T lymphocytes, and cells that react only with the second reagent are identified as NK cells. Cells that react with both reagents are identified as a unique subset of T lymphocytes some of which may mediate MHC unrestricted cytolysis.