Surface antigens of theophylline-resistant and theophylline-sensitive human E rosette-forming T lymphocytes

Theophylline-resistant (TER) and theophylline-sensitive (TES) subsets of E rosette-forming T cells were analysed for surface antigens detected by monoclonal antibodies Leu-2, Leu-15, Leu-3, and Leu-8. Two-colour analysis was performed by laser flow cytometry. About 30% of TER cells was classified as Leu-2+, 15- precursor cytotoxic T lymphocytes and about 50% as 3+,8+ (T inducers). TES fraction was deficient in cytotoxic 2+,15- cells and contained lymphocytes belonging to suppressor circuit. Leu-3+,8- (helpers and suppressor-amplifiers) were present in both fractions.