A MODIFIED METHOD OF MIXED LYMPHOCYTE-REACTION - ESTABLISHMENT OF THEASSAY SYSTEM AND ITS APPLICATION TO EXTRACTS OF FUNGAL CULTURES

A modified mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) assay was developed to scre en immunosuppressive agents. In the MLR, irradiation of splenocytes wi th UV light was employed for the preparation of stimulator cells, and the highest response was observed with the combination of splenocytes of C3H/He mice as a stimulator and those of C57BL/6 as a responder. Th e blastogenesis of the responder cells was quantified by a colorimetri c method using MTT in 96-well microculture plates. For screening immun osuppressive substances, the MLR in combination with a cytotoxicity te st can distinguish immunosuppressors from cytotoxic agents. The applic ations of this assay system to extracts of fungal culture was also des cribed.