Journal of Experimental Medicine, Vol 144, 69-78, Copyright © 1976 by Rockefeller University Press
Antifluorescein affinity columns. Isolation and immunocompetence of lymphocytes that bind fluoresceinated antigens in vivo or in vitro
DW Scott
A new method for the isolation of specific immunocompetent lymphocytes has
been described in which lymphocyte populations are exposed to
fluoresceinated antigens (FLAGs) in vivo or in vitro, and the FLAG- binding
cells retained on antifluorescein affinity columns. Specific cells are then
eluted with an unrelated FL-labeled protein and shown to be fully
immunocompetent. This methodology has been applied successfully in diverse
antigenic systems including polymerized flagellin and TNP-specific B cells
and alloantigen-reactive cytotoxic T lymphocytes. The method is rapid,
inexpensive (requiring only antifluorescein beads), and can be applied to
any antigens (or antibodies) in which a fluorescein group can be
introduced.