Natural killer cells activated in a human mixed lymphocyte response culture identified by expression of Leu-11 and class II histocompatibility antigens.

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Abstract
Lymphoid cells with natural killer (NK)-like function, morphology and antigenic phenotype were identified in a mixed lymphocyte culture generated by co-culture of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells with an allogeneic human B lymphoblastoid cell line CCRF-SB. The majority of these mixed lymphocyte (MLR)-response activated NK cells express the Leu-11 surface antigen, but do not express certain T cell-associated antigens (Leu-1, Leu-3 and Leu-4) or the mature monocytic specific antigen, Leu-M3. Unlike most freshly isolated Leu-11+ human NK cells, the MLR-activated Leu-11+ cells expressed class II major histocompatability antigens, DR and DC. Concomitant with expression of class II gene products, the Leu-11+,DR+NK cells demonstrate enhanced cytotoxicity against the NK-sensitive human leukemia cell line K562. The presence of mitotic cells in the Leu-11+,DR+ population and the acquisition of increased levels of transferrin receptor on the cell surface were further indicators of activation of these cells. The direct precursors of the MLR-activated Leu-11+,DR+ cell were Leu-11+ cells that lacked expression of another NK-associated antigen Leu-7, i.e., Leu-7-,11+. These studies provided a definitive identification of the NK-like cell in MLR cultures and thus allow quantitation and isolation of these cells for further study.

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