A microculture technique in the evaluation of lymphocyte transformation by mitogens and specific antigens in humans

A micro method forin vitro transformation of lymphocytes (Penhaleet al., 1974) by mitogens and antigens is presented. Using a range of concentrations, satisfactory responses were obtained with small numbers of lymphocytes in the presence of the mitogens, phytohaemagglutinin-P, Concanavalin-A, Pokeweed mitogen and mumps, tetanus, tuberculin (Purified Protein Derivative) antigens. Diptheria toxoid and streptokinase/streptodornase antigens did not give satisfactory responses. The method is likely to be of particular use in studies in lymphopenic individuals.