THE ANALYSIS OF LIMITING DILUTION ASSAYS CONDUCTED UNDER NONSATURATING CONDITIONS

A form of mathematical analysis is presented which permits an extended analysis of limiting dilution assays under conditions in which either accessory factors, or cells or both are limiting. This is in contrast to the traditional form of analysis which permits only a single limit ing parameter. Both make use of in vitro experiments in order to deter mine the number of antibody-producing cell precursors: the traditional form of analysis requires that all accessory cells or their factors b e present in saturating concentrations; whereas in the analytic method employed here, not only B cells, but also accessory cells (macrophage s) or their factors may be limiting. Analysis under non-saturating con ditions permits greater elucidation of the mechanisms of intercellular interaction. (C) 1996 Academic Press Limited.