The Synergistic Effect of Synthetic Polynucleotides and Mercaptoethanol in Amplifying the Murine Mixed Lymphocyte Reaction

Modulation of the immune system by synthetic polynucleotides

“…Their experiments were preceded by the demonstration by Friedman et al [27] that poly A : U enhanced remarkably the uptake of tritiated thymidine in human mixed lymphocyte cultures or cells sensitized and re-exposed to diphtheria toxoid. In both instances, the enhancing effects required antigen mediation and were specific, and together with the studies of Mardiney et al [31,32] emphasize the ability of poly A : U to enhance normally subliminal doses of antigen in the mixed leucocyte reaction (MLR). Recently, Narayanan et al have reinvestigated this phase of polynucleotide activity and shown its dependence on the presence of adherent cells [68].…”

“…Recently, Narayanan et al have reinvestigated this phase of polynucleotide activity and shown its dependence on the presence of adherent cells [68]. Along these lines, Graziano et al [32] have demonstrated a synergistic effect of 2-mercaptoethanol on poly A : U amplication of the MLR, which is of interest in view of the enhancing and replacement effect of 2-ME on macrophage cultures. a 300 J-lg poly A : U injected IV, spleen cells removed at indicated time and placed in culture, antigen (SRBC) added and PFC assayed on day 5.…”