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Autorosette forming cells: phenotypic analysis, specificity and role in the autologous mixed lymphocyte reaction
The phenotype of autorosette forming cells (A-RFC) in the peripheral blood of normal subjects was analyzed. Using a fluorescent technique in which the rosetting cells are labeled with different monoclonal antibodies directed against various cell surface antigens, we demonstrated that A-RFC are T cells, the majority of which belong to the helper/inducer subset. Nevertheless, about 10% of the A-RFC bear the Leu 2a antigens, which are specific for cytotoxic/suppressor T cells. On the other hand, no autorosettes were identified by OKT6 or anti-DR antibodies. When autologous and allogeneic red blood cells were added simultaneously to lymphocytes, 78% mixed rosettes were formed, suggesting a lack of specificity in autorosette formation. A functional role for A-RFC in the autologous mixed lymphocyte reaction (A-MLR) is demonstrated by the fact that the removal of A-RFC from the responder population abrogated the proliferative response in A-MLR. Therefore, despite their non restriction, A-RFC may represent an autoreactive T cell subset.
The phenotype of autorosette forming cells (A-RFC) in the peripheral blood of normal subjects was analyzed. Using a fluorescent technique in which the rosetting cells are labeled with different monoclonal antibodies directed against various cell surface antigens, we demonstrated that A-RFC are T cells, the majority of which belong to the helper/inducer subset. Nevertheless, about 10% of the A-RFC bear the Leu 2a antigens, which are specific for cytotoxic/suppressor T cells. On the other hand, no autorosettes were identified by OKT6 or anti-DR antibodies. When autologous and allogeneic red blood cells were added simultaneously to lymphocytes, 78% mixed rosettes were formed, suggesting a lack of specificity in autorosette formation. A functional role for A-RFC in the autologous mixed lymphocyte reaction (A-MLR) is demonstrated by the fact that the removal of A-RFC from the responder population abrogated the proliferative response in A-MLR. Therefore, despite their non restriction, A-RFC may represent an autoreactive T cell subset.