Genetic Restriction in T-lymphocyte Activation by Antigen-pulsed Peritoneal Exudate Cells

The specific activation of proliferative responses by thymus-dependent (T) lymphocytes from immunized guinea pigs requires the presence of adherent cells which may be obtained from peritoneal exudates of normal animals (Waldron et al. 1973). Brief exposure of peritoneal exudate cells (PEC) to antigen is sufficient for these cells to activate DNA synthesis by T lymphocytes from primed donors. This suggests that an important function of adherent PEC is to process and/or present antigen to primed T lymphocytes.