Stimulation of Lymphocytes by Purified Protein Derivative: Suppression by Cells from Humans Vaccinated with Bacille Calmette-Guerin

Abstract

Specific stimulation [transformation] of thymus-derived cells by purified protein derivative or tetanus toxoid [an expression of delayed hypersensitivity] was inhibited by autologous lymphocytes. The lymphocytes, collected from healthy humans who were vaccinated with BCG, were purified on nylon columns after removal of cells that form rosettes with sheep erythrocytes. The degree of purification of the lymphocytes was controlled by appropriate techniques.