T-dependence of human B lymphocyte proliferative response to mitogens

Int Arch Allergy Appl Immunol. 1976;51(1):101-16. doi: 10.1159/000231582.

Abstract

Human peripheral blood and tonsil lymphocytes were fractionated on anti-Ig-coated Sephadex columns or by centrifugation after rosetting with native sheep erythrocytes. Both methods allowed the recovery of B and T-enriched populations the purity of which was checked by fluorescein-labelled anti-Ig serum, E and EAC rosette formation, and heterologous antisera specific for B or T lymphocytes. The proliferative response of T cells to PHA, Con A, PWM, and ALS was not found different from that of unfractionated cells, whereas no response of the B cells could be observed to these mitogens providing that no contaminating T cells were present. Addition of T lymphocytes to these unresponsive B cells allowed them to respond to phytomitogens, but not to ALS. X-irradiated T cells could, to some extent, replace the diving T lymphocytes; no T-replacing factor could be found in cell-free supernatants from T cells, whether or not they had been activated by mitrogens. This model of B-T cooperation appears useful for studying the differentiation and maturation of human B lymphocytes.

MeSH terms

  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Cell Separation
  • Cell-Free System
  • Humans
  • Immune Adherence Reaction
  • Lymphocyte Activation*
  • Mitogens / pharmacology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*

Substances

  • Mitogens