title: Analysis of the activation of lymphoid cells by mitogens in vitro with limiting dilution methods: adherent peritoneal cells suppress B-cell activation and synergize with WEHI-3 in the activation of T cells by Con A.
abstract: Adherent peritoneal cells (APC) have often been used as a pure and effective macrophage population. Using partition analysis and small numbers of lymphoid cells activated by mitogens (concanavalin A for T cells (in the presence of TCGF) and LPS + DxS for B cells) we found that APC were accessory cells for T cell activation and growth but were not effective for B cells. Although APC were effective in assisting T-cell mitogenesis, they were not especially efficient. However, when APC were mixed with irradiated WEHI-3 cells (a tissue culture line previously shown to exhibit accessory cell activity in vitro for mitogenic activation T and B cells), the APC and WEHI-3 showed apparent synergy. One reason for failure of APC to assist B-cell mitogenesis was traced to the presence of a suppressor cell population which overcame the accessory cell help given by irradiated WEHI-3 cells to LPS-DxS stimulated murine B cells. It is thus possible to find "helper" effects (synergy of APC and WEHI-3 assisting the mitogenesis of T cells), as well as suppressor effects within the range of cells found in adherent accessory cells.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000938:Antigen-Presenting Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D002460:Cell Line; D003208:Concanavalin A / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D008264:Macrophages / Q000502:physiology*; D051379:Mice; D008815:Mice, Inbred Strains; D010529:Peritoneal Cavity / Q000166:cytology
chemical_list: D003208:Concanavalin A