Wheat germ agglutinin activates macrophages for collaboration with B cells

Eur J Immunol. 1979 Aug;9(8):654-6. doi: 10.1002/eji.1830090816.

Abstract

Wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), added to Mishell-Dutton-type cultures of nude spleen cells challenged with erythrocyte antigens, allows a primary specific plaque-forming cell (PFC) response. WGA, however, does not display direct mitogenicity to either T or B lymphocytes. The activity of WGA in the specific PFC response is macrophage-dependent and parallels a nonspecific PFC response in the same cultures.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Cell Adhesion
  • Hemolytic Plaque Technique
  • Horses
  • Lectins / pharmacology*
  • Macrophages / immunology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Nude
  • Mitogens / pharmacology
  • Plant Lectins
  • Sheep
  • Spleen / immunology
  • Triticum*

Substances

  • Lectins
  • Mitogens
  • Plant Lectins