[Use of flow cytofluorimetry in the analysis of interactions of mononuclear phagocytes with protein antigens].

Flow cytofluorometry of samples stained with fluorochrome-labeled antigen may be used to study the interactions between human blood calls and antigens. Using fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled tuberculin (after the original method), the authors found that human blood monocytes actively bind labeled tuberculin. Studies of the concentrations from 0.1 to 12,500 ng/ml showed that saturation of the cell capacity for endocytosis is attained at certain doses, after which their surface label prevails. The share of tuberculin-binding lymphocytes was appreciably lower than that of monocytes at the same doses of the antigen. Clinical application of the method for assessing the antigen-presenting function of macrophages is discussed.