Spectrum of ultraviolet radiation on human B and T lymphocyte viability

Human lymphocytes were irradiated with ultraviolet radiation (UV) of various wavelengths. Selective T cell killing was achieved with a dose of 0·1‐0·067 J/cm2 with UVC (a germicidal lamp) or 254 nm monochromatic radiation while preserving B cell function. Irradiation of lymphocytes with UVA up to 9 J/cm2 caused no apparent T and B cell killing. Irradiation with monochromatic 280 and 296 nm radiation (UVB) showed similar susceptibility of both T and B cells with killing occurring with less than 0·5 J/cm2.