Peripheral blood CD8+CD45RA+ naïve cytotoxic T cells are mature T cells that have yet to be exposed to an antigen presented on the MHC class I molecule of an antigen-presenting cell (APC). Once activated, CD8+ cytotoxic T cells defend the body against intracellular pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria, as well as cancerous cells by releasing cytotoxins that result in apoptosis of the infected or diseased cell.

Human peripheral blood CD8+CD45RA+ naïve cytotoxic T cells are enriched by means of negative selection. Cells expressing CD4, CD14, CD16, CD19, CD20, CD36, CD45RO, CD56, CD57, CD94, CD123, CD244, TCRγ/δ, and glycophorin A are depleted from the mononuclear cell population using immunomagnetic particles leaving purified, untouched CD8+CD45RA+ naïve cytotoxic T cells. Isolated cells are characterized by flow cytometry before cryopreservation to ensure a highly pure and viable cell population.

Cells were obtained using Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved consent forms and protocols.