The use of a T lymphocyte colony assay to measure mononuclear phagocyte function.

The control of colony formation of normal PHA-stimulated lymphocytes has been investigated using a liquid-on-agar culture system (Lowenberg & De Zeeuw, 1979). Optimal colony formation requires the presence of mononuclear cells which were characterized by their ability to adhere to plastic surfaces. This finding suggests that the assay system can be used to estimate the co-operative function of mononuclear phagocytes as well as to enumerate T lymphocyte colony-forming cells (TL-CFC). Both the capacities of the mononuclear cells to promote colony formation and the colony-forming abilities of T cells varied widely between different normal individuals. Studies in patients with haemopoietic deficiencies showed that the growth of TL-CFC can be used to distinguish between a real lack of colony-forming cells and an apparent reduction, secondary to mononuclear cell depletion.