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Lymphocyte-potentiating factor from human peripheral blood adherent cells.
International Archives of Allergy and Applied Immunology
|January 1, 1978
Summary
Researchers identified a low-molecular-weight factor that restores concanavalin A (Con A) responses in human lymphocytes. This soluble factor, distinct from 2-mercaptoethanol, acts as a second signal during lymphocyte activation by Con A.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Human peripheral blood lymphocytes require adherent cells for optimal activation by concanavalin A (Con A).
- The precise roles of adherent cells and soluble factors in lymphocyte activation are not fully elucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To partially purify and characterize a low-molecular-weight factor from adherent cells that restores Con A responsiveness.
- To investigate the mechanism of action of this factor in lymphocyte activation.
Main Methods:
- Partial purification of the factor using ion-exchange chromatography, gel filtration, and paper chromatography.
- Assessing the factor's effect on concanavalin A (Con A)-induced lymphocyte activation and DNA synthesis.
Main Results:
- A low-molecular-weight factor was isolated that restores the diminished Con A response in adherent-cell-depleted lymphocytes.
- The factor's mechanism appears distinct from 2-mercaptoethanol and acts as a second signal before DNA synthesis.
- Adherent cells play a dual role: presenting Con A and releasing soluble factors.
Conclusions:
- Adherent cells provide essential soluble factors that support lymphocyte activation.
- These factors are crucial for the Con A-induced activation pathway, acting as second signals.
- Adherent cells have distinct roles in presenting Con A and secreting activating factors.