A comparison of human lymphoid cells in antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC)

Human lymphoid cells from normal donors, hospitalized controls, patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) were examined for their ability to act as effector cells in antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). These cells were also examined for the presence of a cell surface receptor for antigen-antibody complexes, i.e., an Fc receptor. Cells from normal and hospitalized controls exhibited comparable levels of ADCC activity and Fc receptors. Those from patients with CLL had decreased or absent ADCC activity and normal to increased percentages of cells with Fc receptors. Cells from LCL had no ADCC activity and no detectable cells with Fc receptors. The presence of an Fc receptor on lymphoid cells appears to be a necessary prerequisite of normal ADCC activity, but is in itself insufficient to insure normal ADCC activity.