Activated adherent large granular lymphocytes/natural killer (LGL/NK) cells change their migratory behaviour.

Unstimulated large granular lymphocytes/natural killer (LGL/NK) cells, unlike small T lymphocytes, exhibit prompt locomotion into nitrocellulose filters in response to chemo-attactrants, but, unlike monocytes, are unable to migrate as adherent cells across polycarbonate filters. Upon activation with 4-B-phorbol 12,13 dibutyrate (PDBU), LGL/NK cells become adherent and change their migratory behaviour, having the ability to migrate as adherent cells across polycarbonate filters. PDBU-treated high-density T lymphocytes did not show, under the same conditions, locomotory activity. The change in migratory behaviour following activation may represent an important determinant of the ability of activated LGL/NK cells to adhere to vascular linings and localize in tissues.