An Adaptation of the Mixed Leukocyte Culture Test for Use in Evaluating Lymphocyte and Macrophage Function

Abstract The mixed allogeneic leukocyte culture reaction was adapted into a test in which lymphocyte and macrophage function in this system can be assessed individually. In this test, purified lymphocytes from the patient under study were stimulated to incorporate 3H thymidine by irradiated leukocytes from three allogeneic, control donors. Test donors' macrophage function was evaluated by stimulating purified lymphocytes from the three control donors with irradiated leukocytes from the patient under study. The macrophage content in cultures of unpurified leukocytes was also measured. The test proved to be sensitive and reproducible. This report shows that this test can identify specifically lymphocyte unresponsiveness, quantitative and functional macrophage abnormalities, and combined lymphocyte and macrophage defects.