Surface characteristics of the human K (killer) lymphocyte.

The human non-allergized K (killer) lymphocyte has been characterized using selective depletion and isolation procedures based on surface markers. It was found to be a non-thymus-dependent, Fc-receptor-bearing cell. In an area which is controversial, our findings also indicate that the cell has immunoglobulin on its surface but lacks the receptor for the C3 component of complement (mouse). This would suggest it to be an (Fc + C3-) B lymphocyte.