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Separation and Functional Studies of the Human Lymphokine-activated Killer Cell

Surgery Branch, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland 20892

Cell separation studies were undertaken in an attempt to purify the lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) precursor cell. Null cells, prepared by the sequential depletion of monocytes, T- and B-lymphocytes from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, were found to be potent mediators of LAK activity. Such preparations were Leu-11⁺ but Leu-4^- and displayed high levels of natural killer activity. Incubation of these cells with recombinant interleukin 2 (IL-2) for periods in excess of 24 h induced LAK lysis of fresh tumor targets which were resistant to lysis by unstimulated null effectors. In contrast, lymphocytes which formed high affinity rosettes with sheep RBC (E⁺ lymphocytes) were poor mediators of both natural killer and LAK activity. Interleukin 2 stimulated null cells, retained a Leu-11⁺, Leu-4^- phenotype, and expressed only low levels of receptors for IL-2 and transferrin. An increase in the number of binding sites, on null cells but not on T-cells, for Vicia villosa lectin with IL-2 stimulation was noted. Following IL-2 stimulation, null and T-cells were able to conjugate to K562 and fresh tumor but not to autologous lymphoblast targets.

¹ To whom requests for reprints should be addressed.

Received 2/13/87. Revised 5/21/87. Accepted 5/25/87.

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