A cell-saving non-radioactive limiting dilution analysis-assay for the combined determination of helper and cytotoxic T lymphocyte precursor frequencies.
We have developed a limiting dilution analysis-assay which makes the determination of both helper and cytotoxic T lymphocyte precursor frequencies possible. The way in which T helper precursor frequencies are determined in this combined assay is essentially the same as the method published previously. Experimental conditions for the combined assay have been optimized to obtain cytotoxic T lymphocyte precursor frequencies that are comparable to those determined in the assay routinely used in our laboratory. For all situations where the amount of available cell material is a limiting factor, it will be an advantage that with the same number of cells needed for a standard cytotoxic T lymphocyte precursor frequency determination, in the combined assay both helper and cytotoxic T lymphocyte precursor frequencies can be determined. This is especially convenient in the case of bone marrow transplantation, where evidence is accumulating that low or negative cytotoxic T lymphocyte and/or T helper precursor frequencies may be a prerequisite for a successful transplantation with a minimal risk of graft-versus-host disease.
Bouma
G J
GJ
Department of Immunohematology and Bloodbank, Leiden University Hospital, Netherlands.
Schanz
U
U
Oudshoorn
M
M
van der Meer-Prins
P M
PM
Roelen
D L
DL
van Rood
J J
JJ
Claas
F H
FH
D006412:Hematopoietic Stem Cells; D006801:Humans; D018655:Lymphocyte Count; D013602:T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer