Cellular receptors for PHA and antigen-induced transformation of peripheral blood and thoracic duct lymphocytes

Rhesus monkey thoracic duct and peripheral blood lymphocytes appeared to require some functional membrane proteinaceous moiety to manifest PHA-induced transformation responses. In both lymphoid populations, these surface moieties were highly sensitive to tryptic digestion; however, lymphocytes were capable of recovering their PHA responsiveness. The in vitro antigen-induced responses of atopic (reaginic), precipitable antibody, and delayed hypersensitivity lymphocytes were equally abolished by tryptinization. Proteinaceous membrane receptors for antigen also appeared to be required for the induction of in vitro antigen-mediated lymphocyte transformation.