Cryopreservation of human lymphocyte function as measured by in vitro assays.

Methods are described by which cryopreserved cells can be utilized in a number of in vitro assays. On a per cell basis, nearly total recovery of function can be demonstrated for lymphocyte transformation (mitogens, antigens and MLC) and rosette-forming cells. Excellent recovery of mononuclear cell production of leukocyte migration inhibitory factor was also observed. Highly reproducible activity was recovered on a per lymphocyte basis in lymphocyte cytotoxicity but with a definite decrement in the percentage recovery. Both for longitudinal studies of immune function and for standardization of these assays in one or more laboratories such cryopreserved cells are ofimmense value and should be widely utilized.