Accessory cell functions of dendritic cells and macrophages in the thymic T-cell response to Con A

Accessory cell (A cell) functions of splenic dendritic cells (DC) and peritoneal macrophages (M phi) were investigated in the Con A-stimulated proliferative response of thymic T cells. DC were more efficient as A cells than M phi in respect of their necessary cell numbers, Con A dose and culture period required for optimal response. Con A-pulsed T cells proliferated with the aid of lymphocyte activating factor(s) (LAF) derived from M phi, even in the apparent absence of A cells. Con A-pulsed M phi were superior to unpulsed M phi in the secretion of LAF to induce a high response of Con A-pulsed T cells. A cell activity of M phi in different preparations appeared to parallel the ability to secrete LAF, and was totally abolished by fixation of M phi with paraformaldehyde. The fixation of DC, however, resulted in only a partial reduction of the A cell activity. These results argue that both DC and M phi can serve as A cells in the T-cell response to Con A, but that the mechanism to manifest A cell activity is somewhat different between DC and M phi.