Isolation of human NK cells by density gradient centrifugation.

Sedimentation characteristics of human NK cells in discontinuous Percoll density gradients were studied. NK activity against the leukaemic cell line K-562 peaked in a single low density fraction mainly consisting of large granular lymphocytes previously shown to be the principal NK cells in human peripheral blood. Percoll density gradient centrifugation provides a useful tool for analysis of human NK cells and their relationship to other blood mononuclear cells.