HUMAN LYMPHOCYTE-RESPONSES ARE ENHANCED BY CULTURE AT 40-DEGREES-C

  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 121  (2) , 691-694
Abstract
In vitro responses of human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) were markedly enhanced by culture at 40.degree. C rather than at the conventional temperature of 37.degree. C. Proliferative responses of lymphocytes by activation by phytohemagglutinin (PHA) concanavalin A (Con A), pokeweed mitogen (PWM) and allogeneic lymphocytes in mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) showed enhancement of DNA synthesis at the higher temperature. Cytotoxic T [thymus derived] cell responses to allogeneic cells were also enhanced when MLC was done at 40.degree. C. These enhanced immune responses appear to be due in part to increased numbers of participating cells. If in vitro lymphocyte responses correlate with in vivo responses, then fever associated with infection or tumor may be beneficial whereas that associated with autoimmune disorders may have a detrimental effect.

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