Surface markers on natural killer cells of the mouse.

Abstract

Rabbit antiserum against mouse brain tissue (anti-brain-associated T cell antigen, anti-BAT) was capable of killing splenic natural killer (NK) cells of CBA/J, BALB/c, C 57 Bl/6J, C 3 H/He and nude mice, which were detected with Molony virus-induced lymphoma (YAC-1) and radiation-induced leukemia (RL male 1) cells as targets. The same antiserum abolished T cell functions, e.g. carrier-specific helper function and the responsiveness to concanavalin A, but not B cell functions, e.g. immunological memory for the secondary antibody response and the responsiveness to lipopolysaccharide. After absorption of the anti-BAT with thymocytes, the ability to kill T cells was completely abrogated, leaving the activity to kill NK cells intact. No other heterologous and isologous antisera, i.e. rabbit anti-mouse thymocyte antiserum, goat antiserum against antigens shared by thymus and B cells, anti-Thy-1.2 and anti-Ia antisera, could eliminate NK function regardless of their definite reactivity against T or B cells. The results indicate that the absorbed anti-BAT can distinguish NK cells from other known subsets of T and B cells.

• Authors: S Habu, K Hayakawa, K Okumura, T Tada
• Journal: European journal of immunology (Eur J Immunol) Vol. 9 Issue 12 Pg. 938-42 (Dec 1979) ISSN: 0014-2980 [Print] Germany
• PMID: 317706 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Animals
• Brain (immunology)
• Cells, Cultured
• Cytotoxicity Tests, Immunologic
• Female
• Immunity, Innate
• Killer Cells, Natural (immunology)
• Leukemia
• Lymphoma
• Mice
• Mice, Inbred Strains
• Mice, Nude
• Spleen
• T-Lymphocytes (immunology)