The separation of cell populations using monoclonal antibodies attached to sepharose.

A technique is described for the positive separation of cell populations on the basis of antigenicity. Specific antibody is conjugated to Sepharose-4B and the resulting antibody-coated beads complexed with cells carrying the antigen against which the antibody is directed. These complexes are separated from non-complexed cells by centrifugation over Percoll. Specifically, HLA-DR positive human peripheral blood lymphocytes have been obtained with high viability and purity by the use of a monoclonal antibody directed against a determinant common to all HLA-DR antigens. This has greatly facilitated HLA-DR typing of these cells.