Cellular Requirements for the Mitotic Response in Allogeneic Mixed Leukocyte Cultures

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Abstract
The mitotic response that occurs in mixed allogeneic leukocyte cultures does not occur in cultures of mixed allogeneic lymphocytes. The mitotic response in this system requires the presence of macrophages in either the stimulating or responding cell component. The optimal concentration of macrophages is slightly in excess of 1%. Lymphocytes were observed to cluster around some macrophages, which suggests that the participation of macrophages in the mixed leukocyte culture mitotic response involves lymphocyte-macrophage interaction by direct contact. However, an adequate concentration of macrophages does not, by itself, suffice to stimulate allogeneic lymphocytes to divide. It is concluded that the mitotic response in mixed allogeneic leukocyte cultures requires a) mitotically responsive lymphocytes, b) a sufficient number of stimulating allogeneic cells, c) 1% or more macrophages and d) a period of 5 to 7 days of culture. These observations add further indirect evidence that the mitotic response in mixed leukocyte cultures is mediated through immunologic mechanisms.

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