title: Use of logistic regression in comparing multiple limiting dilution analyses of antigen-reactive T cells.
abstract: Traditionally, statistical analyses of multiple limiting dilution analyses have used linear regression in comparing the fit of each analysis to a single-hit Poisson model. Multiple analyses can, however, result in an inflated type I error leading to spurious rejection of the null hypothesis. Logistic regression was used as an umbrella statistic to analyze eight limiting dilution analyses for antigen-reactive T cells from two mouse strains (SJL/J; B10.S), at two priming doses of antigen, for each of two antigens (porcine myelin basic protein, PMBP; purified protein derivative of M. tuberculosis, PPD) used to induce experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE). This proved superior to traditional methods: six of the eight strain/dose/antigen combinations were consistent with a viable model, whereas only three of eight were consistent with the Poisson single-hit model. Moreover, only three of the resultant 32 standardized residual values (four per group times eight groups) fell outside the 95% confidence interval. Logistic regression, therefore, is recommended when nominal dependent measures can be structured as a function of more than one independent variable.
authors.affiliation: Department of Behavioral Sciences, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington 06030.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Burleson
authors.forename: T A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Binder
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Goldschneider
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000941:Antigens / Q000276:immunology*; D051379:Mice; D004676:Myelin Basic Protein / Q000276:immunology; D016012:Poisson Distribution; D012044:Regression Analysis; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D014373:Tuberculin / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000941:Antigens; D004676:Myelin Basic Protein; D014373:Tuberculin