Preface

Techniques for the isolation, fractionation and characterization of lymphocyte populations are being used by a large number of laboratories, and in the field of lymphocyte membrane markers especially, there has been considerable progress. Reagents, including antisera, that detect these markers are widely used for fractionation and characterization. However, all these techniques are now in need of a certain amount of standardization; in this connection some of the problems related to the standardization of membrane marker systems have already been discussed at a WHO/IARC-sponsored workshop on human B and T lymphocytes. (Special technical report: Identification, enumeration, and isolation of B and T lymphocytes from human peripheral blood. Scund. 1. Immunol. 3, 521-532, 1974). The aim of this supplement of the Scandinavian Jownal of Iinmunology is to present a series of the most widely used techniques, including functional studies, for the isolation, fractionation and characterization of lymphocytes, with discussions of their applications in research on cellular immunology. We should like to thank all those who contributed to this supplement, including Ms Liv Kari Flaten, who rendered valuable secretarial assistance.