Propagation of large numbers of T cells with natural killer cell markers

Abstract

Summary. Previously, a subset of T cells co-expressing the NK cell antigen CD56 has been described. These CD3⁺CD56⁺ cells are rare in peripheral blood collections and have been poorly characterized. We have developed culture conditions which allow for the rapid expansion of CD3⁺CD56⁺ cells. The protocol for cellular expansion includes the addition of interferon-gamma on day O, interleukin-1, interleukin-2 and a monoclonal antibody against CD3 on day 1 to peripheral blood lymphocytes. Cells of the CD3⁺CD56⁺ phenotype increased up to 6000-fold using this protocol after 16 d in culture. These cells have been characterized by flow cytometry and have been found to express the alpha, beta T cell receptor, co-express the CD5 and CD8 antigens and do not express the CD16 antigen. Morphologically, these cells cannot be distinguished from NK cells. CD3⁺CD56⁺ killer cells lyse a variety of tumour cells with intermediate activity between CD3⁻CD56⁺ NK cells and CD3⁺CD56⁻ T cells.