Induction of differentiation of human null cells into T lymphocytes under the influence of serum of mice treated with sodium diethyldithiocarbamate.

Mouse serum collected 24 hr after administration of sodium diethyldithiocarbamate was shown to convert a subset of null cells, not bearing the human T lymphocyte differentiating antigen (HTLA cells) into HTLA+ cells in man. In addition to inducing surface characteristics of T lymphocytes, the serum of treated mice increased functional activities of human peripheral blood lymphocytes, including the response to Con A and the suppressor activity in vitro.