Using sensitive fluorescence flow-cytometric techniques, human thymocyte subpopulations were fractionated according to their surface expression of the T3-T cell receptor (T3-Ti) complex. Two major subpopulations, one expressing low (immature subpopulation) and one high T3 antigen surface density (mature fraction) were characterized in detail with respect to surface antigen expression, right-angle scatter and proliferative capacity. Thymocyte subpopulations were activated through the T11 molecule (alternate pathway) and compared with regard to interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor expression, changes in right-angle scatter and 3H-thymidine incorporation. We report that both populations could be activated through the T11 pathway to undergo nuclear activation and express IL-2 receptors. Moreover, in the absence of accessory cells, only the most mature population, expressing high T3 density, could be induced to proliferate, whereas immature cortical thymocytes required accessory cells for proliferation. These findings suggest that the cellular microenvironment may have a critical role in regulating the activation of immature cortical thymocytes.