Human cord blood lymphocytes do not simultaneously express CD4 and CD8 cell surface markers

Abstract

Several authors have reported finding significant numbers of immature T lymphocytes of the CD4/CD8 'double positive' phenotype in human cord blood. We have studied over 30 cord blood samples using directly conjugated reagents and have failed to detect such cells in any of the samples. Differences in staining methodologies that may account for this discrepancy are discussed.