Surface modification of T-lymphocytes observed during rosetting.
Scanning electron microscopy has been used to characterize alterations of lymphocyte surface topology that occur on contact with erythrocytes during the rosetting reaction. Molt-4 cells, a line of leukemic human lymphocytes, defined as T-cells through their ability to form rosettes with sheep erythrocytes, were used for this. Unreacted Molt-4 cells exhibit surfaces that are virtually smooth and carry few microvilli. In contrast, Molt-4 cells in rosettes display a time-dependent modification of surface topology, characterized by the emergence of numerous, long microvilli, particularly in areas of red cell contact.
D000818:Animals; D002460:Cell Line; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000276:immunology; D002999:Clone Cells; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007104:Immune Adherence Reaction; D007938:Leukemia; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D011554:Pseudopodia; D012756:Sheep / Q000276:immunology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*