title: Modulation by alpha-2 macroglobulin of human lymphocyte proliferation in response to mitogens and antigen.
abstract: The effect was studied of purified alpha-2 macroglobulin (a potent and polyvalent protease inhibitor) on normal human lymphocytes stimulated by phytohaemagglutinin, pokeweed mitogen, or by purified protein derivative as an antigen. At physiological concentration alpha 2 M has been found to inhibit mitogenic as well as antigenic stimulation. However at lower dilutions alpha 2 M acts in synergy either with the mitogen or with the antigen. At these dilutions thymidine incorporation is enhanced. alpha 2 M has no toxic or mitogenic effect on normal human lymphocytes. These data might indicate that two proteases may play a role in the proliferation of normal human lymphocytes.
mesh_terms: D000941:Antigens; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000201:enzymology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D037102:Lectins / Q000494:pharmacology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects*; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism; D008934:Mitogens / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010447:Peptide Hydrolases / Q000378:metabolism; D014373:Tuberculin; D000511:alpha-Macroglobulins / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D000941:Antigens; D037102:Lectins; D008934:Mitogens; D014373:Tuberculin; D000511:alpha-Macroglobulins; D010447:Peptide Hydrolases