title: Lymphocyte activation by Con A.
abstract: Con A can activate cytotoxic effector cells, helper cells and suppressor cells. In all cases Con A activates polyclonally and thus the entire T cell repertoir can be revealed by Con A activation. Nylon purified T cells cannot be activated by Con A. however, in the presence of helper cells, such as adherent cells, or in the presence of serum from several species, Con A activates purified T cells. The serum factors that are responsible for Con A activation of purified T cells are present in the albumin fraction. It is suggested that Ia molecules may be responsible for the ability of Con A to activate purified T cells and a general hypothesis for T cell activation is outlined.
mesh_terms: D000418:Albumins / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D002469:Cell Separation; D003208:Concanavalin A / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003602:Cytotoxicity, Immunologic; D006183:H-2 Antigens; D007519:Isoantigens; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides / Q000494:pharmacology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D051379:Mice; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000145:classification / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000418:Albumins; D006183:H-2 Antigens; D007519:Isoantigens; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; D003208:Concanavalin A