Generation of T-cell function in organ culture of foetal mouse thymus. II. Mixed lymphocyte culture reactivity.

The generation of MLC reactive cells in organ cultures of embryonic mouse thymus is described. At least 4 days in culture are required before MLC reactive thymocytes are detectable in this system, which is in marked contrast to the short incubation period required for the expression of Thy-1 on T-cell precursors in other systems. Our data demonstrates the generation of T-cell subsets independent of influences from peripheral lymphoid organs, and in the absence of B cells or their products. One very important application of this technique is in the investigation of the mechanism of T-cell tolerance to self.