Lymphocyte receptors for human erythrocytes in newborn infants and adults. Expression on fresh and lectin-stimulated cells.

Abstract

Lymphocyte receptors for human erythrocytes (HRBC) have been demonstrated by an optimized technique using neuraminidase-treated HRBC and high-protein diluent. Mean values of 55 and 50% reactive lymphocytes were found in the peripheral blood of newborn infants and adult donors, respectively. The HRBC receptor was labile under tissue culture conditions in vitro, in contrast to the receptors for sheep erythrocytes, Fc of IgG, and complement. Short-term culturing of lymphocytes with T cell mitogens (phytohemagglutinin, concanavalin A) increased the proportion of HRBC-receptor-bearing lymphocytes. Pokeweed mitogen, being mainly a B cell stimulator, was less effective in activating lymphocytes to resynthesize the receptor. It is concluded that the HRBC receptor is probably not a stable marker for a single subpopulation of human T lymphocytes. During the first week of life, the HRBC receptor is expressed on at least the same proportion of peripheral blood lymphocytes as in adults.