Detection of antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity by automated flow cytometry. Comparison to a chromium release assay and characterization of the effector cell subpopulation.

Abstract Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) against chick red blood cells (CRBC) can be detected by flow cytometric (FCM) analysis of cellular DNA content. When compared to a standard chromium release assay FCM analysis shows several advantages: (1) equivalent cytotoxicity can be detected after 1 h compared to 4 h for 51 Cr; (2) equivalent cytotoxicity can be seen at a 5-fold lower effector-to-target ratio; and (3) no radiolabeling is needed. When mouse spleen cells were fractionated based on adherence to the plastic, adherent cells showed the highest ADCC by both FCM and 51 Cr release.