MURINE LYMPHOCYTE-T SPECIFICITY FOR AFRICAN TRYPANOSOMES .1. INDUCTION OF A LYMPHOCYTE-T-DEPENDENT PROLIFERATIVE RESPONSE TO TRYPANOSOMA-BRUCEI

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 41  (1) , 97-106
Abstract
A procedure which results in the specific activation of primed murine T [thymus-derived] lymphocytes was adapted for the study of T lymphocyte activation by the African trypanosome T. brucei. The assay calls for in vivo priming of lymphocytes by s.c. administration of parasites followed the cocultivation in vitro of cells taken from regional draining lymph nodes and the parasite. This cocultivation results in a marked proliferation of lymphoid cells. The proliferation was specific for the parasite and dependent on the presence of T lymphocytes and macrophages. The in vivo priming and the in vitro activation required the presence of living parasites. Various factors influencing the magnitude of the proliferative response were analyzed. The time interval between in vivo priming and in vitro culture which results in a substantial proliferative response is quite short compared to that for other antigens. Although lymph node cells from mice primed with T. brucei 1-2 wk previously are able to mount a secondary proliferative response on stimulation with T. brucei, cells taken 3 wk after priming are unresponsive to in vitro challenge with T. brucei. This unresponsiveness may be a result of the generalized immunosuppression seen in African trypanosomiasis. This method offers potential for study of specific T cell responsiveness in African trypanosome infections.