A method for cloning T-lymphocytic precursors in agar

Am J Hematol. 1979;6(1):35-43. doi: 10.1002/ajh.2830060106.

Abstract

A new technique for the culture of T-lymphocytic colonies is reported. The method may be regarded as a human lymphocyte precursor cell assay, as is the myeloid colony culture for granulocyte-macrophage progenitors. The colonies arise under the simultaneous stimulation of phytohemagglutin and a leukocyte feeder. A linear relationship is found between colony numbers and cell numbers plated. The colonies represent aggregates of lymphoblast-like cells, the majority of which are capable of E-rosette formation, are responsive in mixed lymphocyte cultures, and do not exhibit surface immunoglobulins. Their density distribution profile is very similar to that of myeloid colony-forming cells. The finding that most of these colony-forming cells are recovered in the so-called lymphocyte-free stem cell fraction following density fractionation suggests that they originate from a lymphocytic precursor.

MeSH terms

  • Agar*
  • Bone Marrow Cells
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Clone Cells
  • Colony-Forming Units Assay
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Techniques / methods
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Lymphocyte Culture Test, Mixed
  • Rosette Formation
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*

Substances

  • Agar