OKT cells

OKT cells

old term for cells recognized by monoclonal antibodies to T-lymphocyte antigens; OKT-3 cells are T lymphocytes as a class, because all share a common leukocyte differentiation antigen; OKT-4 cells are helper cells; OKT-8 cells are suppressor cells. OKT-4:OKT-8 expresses the ratio of helper to suppressor cells, sometimes used as a measure of the functional status of the immune system and thus a basis for clinical diagnosis and prognosis. Current usage favors using CD designations. [Ortho-Kung T cell]

OKT cells

(selz) Cells recognized by monoclonal antibodies to T lymphocyte antigens. Current usage favors CD designations. [Ortho-Kung T cell]