In vitro evaluation of radiation-induced augmentation of the immune response

Small doses (5--25 rads) of radiation augment the in vitro response of murine spleen cells to sheep red blood cells (SRBCs). Such augmentation appears to result from radiation-induced disruption of a homeostatic component of the response that exerts maximum effect soon after the introduction of antigen. Evidence is presented to support the concept that augmentation is due to injury of an exquisitely radiosensitive subpopulation of T cells with suppressor activity.