Detection of OKT6-positive cells (without visible Birbeck granules) in normal peripheral blood.
The specificity of a monoclonal antibody (OKT6) for peripheral blood mononuclear cells was examined by indirect immunofluorescence and ultrastructural immunogold labelling. Some rare peripheral blood mononuclear cells (approximately 1%) expressed T6 antigen on their membrane surface, as determined by light microscopy and cytofluorometry. Electron microscopic examination of immunogold-labelled cells revealed that OKT6-positive cells were dendritic, lacking the Birbeck granules and expressed variable density of the membrane T6 antigen. The relationship of such cells with Langerhans' cells is discussed.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology*; D000945:Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000276:immunology; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000276:immunology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007801:Langerhans Cells / Q000276:immunology; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D008854:Microscopy, Electron
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000945:Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte; D000954:Antigens, Surface