Selective affinity fractionation of murine cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). Unique lectin specific binding of the CTL associated surface glycoprotein, T 145.

We have analyzed the lectin binding characteristics of cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL)-derived surface labeled glycoproteins by affinity chromatography of the labeled glycoproteins on a panel of immobilized lectin adsorbents. Evidence is presented for the specific interaction of the CTL-associated glycoprotein T 145 with a lectin derived from Vicia villosa seeds. Conditions are described for the preparation and use of lectin affinity adsorbents for the rapid isolation of T 145 bearing cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Direct proof is given to show that T 145-positive cells arising from a variety of T-cell activations constitute the only subpopulation of cells with ability to perform cell-mediated T-cell cytotoxicity. Specific depletion of the CTLs by adherence to V. villosa adsorbents is shown by their depletion in the nonbound cell fraction and correspondingly enriched recovery in the sugar eluted cell fraction. Specific affinity fractionation of CTLs has occurred in every strain combination tested and irrespective of the actual antigen specificity of the effector cell population.