[Phospholipid metabolism in transformed lymphocytes. Molecular mechanism of activation]

An early consequence of lymphocyte stimulation by mitogens is the increased turnover of phospholipid fatty acid moieties. The enzymes catalyzing the selective transfer of fatty acids exhibit a high affinity for highly unsaturated fatty acids. The activation of these acyltransferases leads to a higher content of polyenoic fatty acids and consequently to an increased membrane fluidity.