Role of Lymphocytes in the Modulation of the Immunogenicity of Bone Marrow: A Rat Model

Abstract

In a rat model we describe the role T lymphocytes play in the immunogenicity of bone marrow. Mainly they modulate the MLC-like stimulatory cell potential and the MHC class II antigen expression of nonlymphoid bone marrow cells via the release of newly detected specific soluble factors and immunologically unspecifîc ones. These findings are discussed in relation to the graft rejection encountered in clinical bone marrow transplantation following certain T depletion protocols.