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The persistent PHA-responsive population in the mouse thymus. I. Characterization of the population
Immunology
|April 1, 1978
Summary
Persistent PHA-responsive thymus cells are T-cell specific and can be separated from other thymus cells. These T-cells are resistant to hydrocortisone and anti-lymphocyte serum, indicating their unique immunological properties.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The study investigates a specific population of thymus graft cells identified by their persistent response to phytohaemagglutinin (PHA).
- Understanding the characteristics of these PHA-responsive cells is crucial for comprehending T-cell differentiation and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the immunological properties of the persistent PHA-responsive thymus graft population.
- To determine the cell type and potential functional capabilities of these cells.
Main Methods:
- Co-culture of mouse thymus graft cells with peripheral blood lymphocytes in the presence of phytohaemagglutinin (PHA).
- Testing responses to various T-cell and B-cell mitogens.
- Assessment of cell population stability during culture and in vivo treatments (hydrocortisone, anti-lymphocyte serum).
- Allogeneic thymus grafts and cytotoxic assays using specific anti-sera.
- Separation of cell populations using BSA density gradient sedimentation.
Main Results:
- The persistent PHA-responsive cells demonstrated reactivity to T-cell mitogens (Con A, pokeweed mitogen, staphylococcal enterotoxin B) but not to the B-cell mitogen lipopolysaccharide.
- The percentage of these cells remained stable over 5 days in culture and was unaffected by hydrocortisone or anti-lymphocyte serum.
- In allogeneic grafts, these cells were identified and could be eliminated by specific anti-theta serum and complement, confirming their T-cell nature.
- BSA gradient sedimentation revealed that the PHA-responsive population exhibited faster sedimentation than the bulk thymus graft cells, allowing for partial separation.
Conclusions:
- The persistent PHA-responsive thymus graft population consists of T-cells with specific mitogenic responses.
- These T-cells are relatively resistant to immunosuppressive agents and can be physically separated from other thymus cells based on sedimentation properties.