Interactions of the third component of complement (C3) with cross-linked dextran. IV. Adherence of lymphocytes to C3 coated dextran gel particles.

In previous studies we could show that the third component of complement (C3) is bound from normal serum to cross-linked dextran (Sephadex) after activation via an alternate pathway. Data presented in this paper demonstrate that a subpopulation of human lymphocytes adheries to C3 coated Sephadex particles. The adhering subpopulation of lymphocytes is identical with or overlaps extensively with lymphocytes bearing easily detectable membrane Ig. This phenomenon can be used for the fractionation of lymphocyte subpopulations. After a single passage of tonsillar lymphocytes through C3 coated Sephadex bead columns, no membrane Ig positive lymphocytes were detectable in the effluent. 97-100% of effluent cells formed rosettes with untreated sheep red blood cells, thus resembling pure T cells. Apart from that, the use of C3 coated dextran gel particles allows also the recovery of adherent cells after dextranase digestion of the dextran gel particles. An investigation of retained cells showed enrichment of B cells, but also T cells were demonstrable. The retention of these T cells is probably due to nonspecific interactions.