Adherent cells as targets in mitogenic T-lymphocyte stimulation: replacement of lymphocyte-bound mitogens by nonmitogenic substances.

The sequence of events in mitogenic T-lymphocyte activation was investigated by employing purified mouse peritoneal adherent cells and T-lymphocyte populations. After treatment of adherent cells with the oxidizing agents sodium periodate or neuroaminidase plus galactose oxidase and removal of the mitogens, the cells acquired the ability to stimulate purified T-lymphocytes added subsequently. For this process of T-lymphocyte activation, the additional presence of the membrane interacting substances polyethylene glycol, dextran, nonmitogenic Helix pomatia agglutinin, or inactivated sendai virus was required. Lysates of mitogen-treated peritoneal adherent cells were able to replace the adherent cells in the cultures.