Adjuvant Action of Poly A:U on T and B Rosette-Forming Cells in SRBC-Immunized Mice

Abstract

The adjuvant action of complexes of polyadenylic and polyuridylic acids (poly A:U) on the primary immune response to SRBC was studied with respect to its effect on the production of thymus-derived (T) and bone marrow-derived (B) rosette-forming cells (RFC). RFC were assayed by two separate methods; one in which rosettes were prepared by incubation at 37 °C and then at 4 °C, the other by centrifugation at 4 °C. Two to three times more RFC were detected in mice receiving SRBC only when RFC were assayed by the incubation method. Most RFC detected by the incubation method were Θ-negative (BRFC) whereas 15–32% of the RFC detected by the centrifugation method were Θ -positive (TRFC). Both methods detected a 2- to 3-fold amplification of BRFC in mice receiving SRBC plus poly A:U. However, while the centrifugation method detected a 2- to 3-fold increase in T RFC, the incubation method detected a greater than 10-fold amplification of T RFC.

Mycobacterium

“…Adjuvants classed as "T cell oriented" and including beryllium, CFA, lentinan, polyadenylic acid * polyuridylic acid [poly(A) * poly(U)], and retinol are effective in the stimulation of antibody only in animals unimpaired as to complement of thymus-associated T lymphocytes. For example, Cone and Wilson (258). found a 10fold amplification of T rosette-forming cells in mice receiving antigen (sheep erythrocytes [SRBC]) plus poly(A) * poly(U).…”

Nylon adherent antigen-specific rosette-forming T cells.

“…The separation of these T-cell subsets by nylon adherence thus affords a means to determine the capacity of thes,~ subsets to transfer DTH. (19) results in complete loss of T-RFC. Moreover, incubation of splenic lymphocytes with SRBC for 15 min in suspension before centrifugation will result in a similar disappearance of T-RFC.…”