Affinity chromatography of cells and cell membranes.

This article attempts to introduce the concept of cellular affinity chromatography as it departs from molecular affinity chromatography. Special emphasis is placed on the selectio of a solid support as well as on the role of lectins as affinity ligands. Our major goal was to bring to light the basic principles involved, multiple options of ligands and matrices, and different techniques, which may be applied to separate the complex cell population as well as cell membranes. It is hoped that further developments in the field, especially in the selection of proper experimental conditions, ligands and matrix material may provide better results. We have tried to identify some of the potential problems which should be considered before these approaches can be used on a routine basis. Although the review deals primarily with the affinity chromatography of cells and cell membranes, examples are presented for diverse systems such as cell organelles, viruses and phages. A table summarizing the use of cellular affinity chromatography is included. It lists more than 80 examples covering the literature up to December, 1979.