GENERATION OF T-CELL FUNCTION IN ORGAN-CULTURE OF FETAL MOUSE THYMUS .2. MIXED LYMPHOCYTE CULTURE REACTIVITY

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  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 27  (2) , 322-327
Abstract
The generation of MLC [mixed lymphocyte culture] reactive cells in organ cultures of embryonic mouse thymus is described. At least 4 days in culture are required before MLC reactive thymocytes are detectable in this system, which is in marked contrast to the short incubation period required for the expression of Thy-1 on T[thymus-derived]-cell precursors in other systems. The generation of T-cell subsets exists independent of influences from peripheral lymphoid organs, and in the absence of B [bone marrow-derived] cells or their products. One important application of this technique is in the investigation of the mechanism of T-cell tolerance to self. [The importance of these results to T cell maturation is discussed.].