Human thymus-derived rosette-forming cells and immunologic diseases

Abstract

This paper describes some studies done on the human lymphocytes that bind to normal sheep red blood cells in a rosette formation. On the basis of human fetal studies and investigations of markers for B cells, it is demonstrated that rosette-forming cells are valid markers for T cells. These cells were looked at in various immunologic diseases. A modification of the basic technic, one that detects subpopulations of lymphocytes, was mainly used. Results correlate closely with the cellular immune status of the patient.