Dendritic cells as accessory cells in antigen-specific murine T lymphocyte proliferation in vitro.

The role of dendritic cells in antigen-induced murine T lymphocyte activation was studied by addition of purified dendritic cells to purified lymph node T lymphocytes from ovalbumin-primed mice. In the presence of the priming antigen T cells generated an antigen-specific response. The response was at least 3-fold higher with the use of a modified IMDM culture medium. The complete requirement for accessory cells was demonstrated only when nylon wool-purified T lymphocytes were thoroughly depleted of Ia antigen-expressing cells. Dendritic cells as well as peritoneal exudate macrophages were equally effective as antigen-presenting cells.