Human T and B lymphocyte migration under agarose: differences in the characteristics of migrating cells and migration patterns.

The morphologic and migration characteristics of separated human peripheral blood T and B lymphocytes were evaluated by means of an agarose plate technique. The motile T cells migrated in a tightly packed and regularly arranged monolayer, while the B cell monolayer appeared much more disorganized with the cells forming a loose spongy network. Fixed and stained preparations following 2-3 days of incubation showed that the T cells maintained mature lymphocyte features throughout the period of migration. Although many of the B cells were indistinguishable from the T cells, many were irregular in size and shape with monocytic characteristics. It is suggested that the differences in T and B cell in vitro migration patterns may reflect fundamental differences in the mechanisms of locomotion for these cells.