Characterization of human peripheral blood lymphocyte cells on the basis of surface properties

Human lymphocytes are divided into two populations, thymus-dependent or T-cells, required for cell-mediated immunity, and B-cells which are thymus independent and responsible for antibody-mediated immunity. Conventional light microscopy cannot differentiate between T and B lymphocytes, but the introduction and studies of lymphocyte membrane markers have shown a lymphocyte heterogeneity. In the present paper, various methods for characterization of human peripheral blood lymphocyte cells; based on surface properties, have been studied. Because of the membrane markers of receptors on human lymphocytes, the immune function of the subpopulations may be described. Functional studies may be performed on cell suspensions in which subpopulations are eliminated or concentrated by means of their respective membrane markers. The surface of various lymphocyte subpopulations are characterized by the presence of receptors for immune molecules, immunoglobulin, complement, hormones active in immune processes, prostaglandins and histamine. The presence of these receptors may allow for the participation of the lymphocyte in the various stages of immune processes.