Detection of antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity by automated flow cytometry. Comparison to a chromium release assay and characterization of the effector cell subpopulation.

Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) against chick red blood cells (CRBC) can be detected by flow cytometric (FCM) analysis of cellular DNA content. When compared to a standard chromium release assay FCM analysis shows several advantages: (1) equivalent cytotoxicity can be detected after 1 h compared to 4 h for 51Cr; (2) equivalent cytotoxicity can be seen at a 5-fold lower effector-to-target ratio; and (3) no radiolabeling is needed. When mouse spleen cells were fractionated based on adherence to the plastic, adherent cells showed the highest ADCC by both FCM and 51Cr release.