SYNERGY AMONG LYMPHOID CELLS MEDIATING THE GRAFT-VERSUS-HOST RESPONSE

Abstract
Two types of thymus-derived (T) lymphocytes have been shown to cooperate in the induction of graft-versus-host responses. One cell type is found in highest concentrations in the peripheral blood and lymph node, is extremely sensitive to anti-thymocyte serum (ATS) in vivo, and is probably part of the recirculating lymphoid cell pool (3). The second cell type, found in highest concentrations in the thymus and spleen, is relatively resistant to small doses of ATS in vivo. Both cell types are substantially depleted after neonatal thymectomy.