Abstract: The invention provides a method for separating target cells from a plurality of cells which is based on a reversible high affinity interaction between two molecules. The method comprises: forming a target cell/cell binding reagent/first molecule/second molecule/solid support complex, wherein the cell binding reagent is specific for target cells present within a plurality of cells and wherein the first molecule reversibly binds to the second molecule; removing non-target cells of the plurality of cells not attached to the solid support; and reversing the first molecule binding to the second molecule, thereby releasing the target cells as separate cells from the plurality of cells.