In this study we have analyzed, using immunoperoxidase (IPx) and indirect immunofluorescence (IIF), the intracellular and cell surface expression of CD1 antigens on PHA activated human T cells. By IIF, CD1 isotypes were not detected on the surface of 3 days PHA activated cells. Conversely, CD1a, CD1b and CD1c molecules were found by IPx in the cytoplasm of normal activated cells from 13 different donors. Kinetic studies showed that, while CD25 was already observed 24 h after activation, all 3 isotypes of CD1 molecules started to be detected 48 h after PHA activation, with a peak expression at 72 h.