Complement-induced mixed aggregation of T and B lymphocytes and myeloid cells and the effect of adjuvant.

Complement induces mixed aggregation of murine spleen cells bearing C3 receptors. In the present studies, we show with immunofluorescent techniques that these aggregates are formed by T and B lymphocytes and myeloid cells, B cells constituting the predominant component in normal mice. There are striking changes in the quantity and quality of the clumps after in vitro treatment with adjuvant, mostly due to an increase in macrophages and possibly in T cells. The possible meaning of these phenomena in T-cell-B-cell co-operation and in the mode of action of adjuvants is discussed.