Surface expression and distribution of Fc receptor III (CD16 molecule) on human natural killer cells and polymorphonuclear neutrophils.

Human natural killer cells and polymorphonuclear neutrophils constitutively express the low-affinity IgG Fc receptor (Fc gamma RIII, CD16 molecule). To investigate cell surface morphology, antigenic receptor density, and topographical distribution of Fc gamma RIII on the plasma membrane of natural killer cells and polymorphonuclear neutrophils, conventional scanning electron microscopy (SEM), flow cytometry, and immunoscanning electron microscopy were used. Fc gamma RIII was detected with an indirect immunogold labeling procedure, and receptors were visualized in the backscattered and secondary electron imaging mode of SEM. Natural killer cells showed a cell surface morphology compatible with lymphocytic differentiation characterized by microvilli and microridges. Polymorphonuclear neutrophils showed surface features characterized by ridges with folds and scattered short microvilli. Natural killer cells displayed a lower cell labeling density, whereas polymorphonuclear neutrophils showed a high level of expression of Fc gamma RIII on the plasma membrane by quantitative analysis with SEM in the backscattered electron imaging mode. Flow cytometry analysis confirmed these findings. Analysis of the topographical distribution of Fc gamma RIII antigenic receptor sites by SEM in the backscattered and secondary electron imaging modes showed that Fc gamma RIII on natural killer cells are randomly distributed, whereas Fc gamma RIII are located on ridges and folds of the plasma membrane of polymorphonuclear neutrophils. These observations suggest that natural killer cells and polymorphonuclear neutrophils differ in their levels of expression and topographic distribution of Fc gamma RIII on the plasma membrane. This different spatial distribution of Fc gamma RIII would provide morphological evidence of certain cellular functions mediated by natural killer cells and polymorphonuclear neutrophils.