Detection of membrane-associated antigens on lymphoid cells by antibody coupled to staphylococcal protein A.

A simple technique is described for the detection of membrane-associated antigens on lymphoid cells. It is based on the observation that the protein A component of staphylococci binds to the Fc pieces of IgG molecules. Lymphocytes from various sources (mouse, rat, and human tissues) were incubated with hyperimmune antisera directed against surface determinants. Subsequent treatment with a suspension of staphylococci containing protein A permitted visualization of both the presence and distribution of determinants on the cell membrane. The method had comparable sensitivity to the fluorescent sandwich technique and could be used to detect a variety of membrane antigens on both T cells and B cells.