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Phorbol myristate acetate: a mitogen selective for a T-lymphocyte subpopulation
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|February 1, 1977
Summary
Phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) activates a distinct T-lymphocyte population in human blood that binds strongly to sheep red blood cells (SRBC). This PMA-responsive subset differs from those activated by phytohemagglutinin (PHA) or concanavalin A (Con A).
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) is a potent mitogen for human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL).
- Phytohemagglutinin (PHA) is a standard mitogen used for lymphocyte stimulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the lymphocyte population responsive to PMA.
- To compare the PMA-responsive subset with those responding to PHA and concanavalin A (Con A).
Main Methods:
- Lymphocyte inactivation using 5'-bromodeoxyuridine and light treatment.
- Lymphocyte separation via sheep erythrocyte (SRBC) rosetting.
- Comparative analysis of mitogenic responses.
Main Results:
- PMA-responsive lymphocytes were distinct from PHA- and Con A-responsive cells.
- PMA-responsive lymphocytes showed a higher affinity for SRBC, indicating segregation with high-affinity rosette-forming cells.
- The PMA response remained intact after inactivation of PHA-responsive cells, and vice versa.
Conclusions:
- A specific T-lymphocyte subpopulation in human peripheral blood responds to PMA.
- This subpopulation exhibits high affinity for SRBC and is distinct from PHA/Con A responders.
- PMA may serve as a clinical tool to assess the size and function of the high-affinity or "active" rosette population.