Measurement of T-lymphocyte responses in whole-blood cultures using newly synthesized DNA and ATP

The proliferative response is most frequently determined by estimating the amount of [H-3]thymidine incorporated into newly synthesized DNA. The [H-3] thymidine procedure requires the use of radioisotopes as well as lengthy pe riods of incubation (>72 h). An alternative method of assessing T-lymphocyt e activation in whole-blood cultures involves the measurement of the nucleo tide ATP instead of [H-3]thymidine incorporation. In addition, the Lumineti cs assay of T-cell activation measures specific T-lymphocyte subset respons es through the use of paramagnetic particles coated with monoclonal antibod ies against CD antigens. This assay permits rapid (24 h) analysis of lympho cyte subset activation responses to mitogens and recall antigens in small a mounts of blood.