Active T rosette formation of human T lymphocytes after stimulation with lectins

The effect of fourteen plant lectins on human peripheral blood lymphocytes in rosette formation with sheep red blood cells (SRBC) was examined. Among the lectins used, phytohemagglutinin (PHA), lens culinalis (LCH), wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), and ricinus communis I (RCAI) showed a significant increase in active T rosette counts when the results were compared with the effect of other lectins. This enhancement in active T rosette forming cells is found within one hour after the treatment with lectin and is dependent upon the concentration of lectin. The results suggest that the changes in lymphocyte membrane dynamics via stimulation by certain lectins increases the capacity to form active T rosettes.