ROLE OF P23,-P-30-BEARING HUMAN MACROPHAGES IN ANTIGEN-INDUCED LYMPHOCYTE-T RESPONSES

The effect of anti-p23,30, a rabbit antiserum to the human Ia-like antigen p23,30, on two macrophage-dependent T-cell functions, proliferation in response to soluble antigens, and production of lymphocyte mitogenic factor (LMF) was studied. T cells depleted of macrophages neither proliferate nor secrete LMF, and these functions are restored by addition of as few as 0.5% adherent macrophages. Treatment of macrophages with anti-p23,30 and C, however, abolishes their capacity to reconstitute these T-cell functions. In contrast, treatment of T cells with anti-p23,30 and C did not affect their capacity to respond in the presence of untreated adherent cells. We conclude that the presence of p23,30-bearing macrophages is critical for the expression of these antigen-induced T-cell responses. © 1979.