In vitro immunization of human tonsilar lymphocytes: effects of PWM and rIL-6

We previously described a system for the in vitro immunization of human tonsilar lymphocytes under serum-free conditions in the presence of muramyl dipeptide and rIL-2 (1). Further studies with this system reveal possible roles for PWM and rIL-6 in the immunization process. The addition of these factors led to an increase in the levels of antibody produced in lymphocyte cultures. The time of addition of these factors was found to be important in determining the extent of their effects on the overall yields of antigen-reactive cells.