Iron-containing proteins augment responses of human lymphocytes to phytohemagglutinin and pokeweed mitogen in serum-free medium.

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Abstract
The effects of various Fe-containing compounds on the responses of human peripheral lymphocytes to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and pokeweed mitogen (PWM) were studied in serum-free medium supplemented with bovine serum albumin. Hb, transferrin and ferritin enhanced the incorporation of [3H]-thymidine into DNA after PHA-stimulation of lymphocytes, while hemin, Fe metal powder, ferrous sulfate, chromium powder and zinc sulfate have little effect. The response to PWM, measured by plaque formation, was enhanced only by transferrin. Desferrioxamine, a chelating agent specific for ferric iron, completely removed these augmentative effects. Fe-containing proteins can apparently influence the responses of lymphocytes to stimulation by PHA and PWM in serum-free medium.