Further characterization of low density mononuclear cells: FACS-assisted analysis of human MLR stimulators.

Previously, we reported that all of the potent stimulators of the allogeneic mixed leukocyte reaction (MLR) are contained in a heterogeneous low density fraction of human peripheral blood mononuclear (PBM) cells. We have further characterized human MLR stimulators by staining them with highly specific monoclonal antibodies, and then analyzing and separating them with the fluorescence-activated cell sorter. These studies revealed two populations of low density cells with potent allogeneic stimulatory activity. One population is a monocyte subset that reacts with anti-OKM1, MO.2, and expresses C3b as well as Fc-IgG receptors. The second population exhibits even greater stimulatory capacity and does not express any of these monocyte markers. Moreover, these cells are not phagocytic and do not react with alpha-naphthyl esterase. They comprise approximately 10% of the low density fraction or 0.5% of PBM. These cells are most likely lymphoid dendritic cells, described in various species as potent MLR stimulators. In contrast to the allogeneic MLR, only the low density cell type exhibiting dendritic cell characteristics induced a potent autologous MLR.