| abstract |
The presence of activated or pre-sensitized T-lymphocytes in whole blood, or in a mixture of isolated leukocytes, is detected by means of forming autologous E-rosettes and mixed leukocyte-erythrocyte aggregates which are stable at 37°C. More specifically, by means of stimulating the cells using either a non-erythroagglutinating mitogen or an antigen, and removing sialic acid with, for example, neuraminidase, stable E-rosettes and mixed leukocyte-erythrocyte aggregates may be formed and counted. Also provided are kits for use in assaying for the presence of mitogen-activated or antigen pre-sensitized T-lymphocytes, without using sheep red blood cells, immunostaining or radioactive isotopes. |