Antibody Synthesis in vitro by Human Peripheral Lymphocytes

Abstract

Peripheral lymphocytes from patients allergic to penicillin were cultured In presence of penicillin, phytohemagglutinin (PHA) or both. The addition of penicillin usually resulted in a significant increase of blast cells after 6 days of culture. Hemagglutinatlng and skin-sensitizing antibodies were determined in the culture fluid (TCF). A higher tlter of antibody was observed with penicillin-TCF when compared to the TCF control. The addition of PHA enhanced this antibody formation. The Schultz-Bale technique performed with monkey ileum confirmed the presence of at least 2 types of antibodies in TCF. Fractionation procedure with the sucrose gradient ultracentrlfugatlon and Sephadex G 200 gel filtration of 3 TCF showed the presence of 2 types of hemagglutinatlng and skin-sensitizing antibodies; 1 of high molecular weight (probably 19S), the 2nd of lower molecular weight (7S or more). Antibodies recovered in the serum and corresponding lymphocyte culture fluids showed very similar characteristics and properties. The possibility of a de-novo synthesis of antibody is discussed.