Temporary inhibition of antibody dependent, cell mediated cytotoxicity by pretreatment of human attacking cells with ammonium chloride

Treatment of lymphoid cell preparations with ammonium chloride buffers to remove contaminating erythroid cells markedly reduced the ability of these cells to function as attacking cells in antibody dependent cell mediated cytotoxicity tests (ADCC). The lymphoid cells, however, retained their ability to adhere to antibody coated target cells. Recovery of function 20 hr after exposure to ammonium chloride suggests a metabolic rather than receptor effect of these salts on the ADCC function of lymphocytes.