Rosette formation by human T and B lymphocytes

Human peripheral lymphocytes, identified as T or B cells with a fluorescent anti-globulin serum, were studied in two varieties of rosette formation: (1) with sheep red corpuscles, a phenomenon shown by a large proportion of human lymphocytes and totally different from that observed in the mouse; and (2) with human red cells sensitized with incomplete anti-Rh. Lymphocytes forming sheep cell rosettes were never fluorescent; i.e. they were T cells. 73 % of lymphocytes forming sensitized-cell rosettes were fluorescent B cells. Horse anti-human lymphocyte serum inhibits the first but not the second variety of rosette formation.