Phenotypic Markers for the Feline Monocyte: Rosette Formation with Human Erythrocytes and a Monoclonal Antibody Which Binds Myeloid Cells

Abstract A small population of cells with the ability to form rosettes with human erythrocytes was found in feline peripheral blood leukocytes () (10%) and bone marrow (9%), but not in purified granulocyte preparations, thymus, and lymph node tissues. The morphologic appearance and ability to phagocytize latex beads indicated these cells were monocytes. A monoclonal antibody, CM277, with a binding specificity for feline peripheral blood phagocytes was also characterized. Immunofluorescent microscopy revealed CM277 to bind specifically to monocytes and polymorphonuclear neutrophils. The binding of CM277 to monocytes was also shown by human erythrocyterosette formation wherein there was a high degree of correlation between these two phenotypic markers for cells ingesting latex beads. Monocytes, polymorphonuclear neutrophils, and T lymphocytes of the cat rosette with guinea pig erythrocytes (GPE) and using CM277 we were able to determine the contribution of the former two cell types to the GPE-rosetting population. Monocytes and polymorphonuclear neutrophils comprised the majority of the GPE-rosetting cells in fresh PBL (>60%), but after culturing overnight, there was a substantial decrease in these cells (