Antibody-dependent lymphocyte killer function and age

A function of human lymphocytes was studied in 66 individuals ranging in age from newborn to 100 years. The test used was antibody-dependent lymphocyte-mediated cytolysis of HL-A antibody-coated 51Cr-labelled human lymphocytes. Lymphocytes from newborn infants were ineffective in producing cell-mediated lympholysis and lymphocytes from children 1 to 6 years of age were most effective. Lymphocytes from adult and geriatric persons demonstrated variable ability in this test system. The ability of lymphocytes to perform this cytolytic function is acquired between 3 and 12 months of age.