Rapid method for purification of human T lymphocytes for further functional studies.

We have evaluated a commercially available reagent, T Lympho-kwik, for ability to provide enriched, functional human T cell populations. We have found that this method is more rapid, reliable and efficient than other available methods of T cell isolation and/or macrophage depletion. Although the T Lympho-kwik-treated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) are enriched for T cells, devoid of macrophages, and are not activated by the T Lympho-kwik reagent, they can be induced to proliferate, secrete lymphokines and/or develop alloreactive cytolytic T cell activity under appropriate experimental conditions. Hence, T Lympho-kwik treatment of PBMC is a highly effective technique for providing enriched T cells that are free of accessory cells and that can be used for further functional studies.