Isolation of T Cells Using Rosetting Procedures

Abstract

This unit describes a procedure for separating T cells from other mononuclear cells by exploiting the unique ability of cells to bind to and form rosettes with sheep red blood cells (SRBC). This isolation method also allows recovery of the nonrosetting cell population (B lymphocytes, monocytes, and macrophages). Neuraminidase- and 2-aminoethylisothiouronium bromide (AET)-treated SRBC are used for rosetting because of enhanced binding to T cells. It should be noted that use of the rosetting technique to obtain purified T cells or purified non-T cells by negative selection has largely been superceded by other techniques such as panning and immunomagnetic beads.