Purpose/Principle

The proliferative response of T cells can be assessed by specifically stimulating T cells with anti-CD3, which stimulates the cells through the T cell receptor complex. Additional stimulation through the costimulatory molecule, CD28, potentiates the stimulatory effect of CD3. Interleukin-2 (IL-2), a growth factor produced by T cells, also augments the anti-CD3-stimulated T cell response independent of CD28. Addition of either CD28 or IL-2 increases the proliferative capacity of T cells compared with anti-CD3 stimulation alone.

This assay is useful for (1) specific assessment of T cell function in patients with inborn errors of immunity such as, but not limited to, Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID), Di-George syndrome, or Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID), where T cell function may be compromised, (2) assessment of reconstitution of the T cell compartment following bone marrow transplant, (3) evaluation of T cell function in patients on immunosuppressive therapy and (4) evaluation of subtle defects of T cell function which may be masked by the magnitude of response to PHA stimulation, and are potentially revealed by the more subtle stimulatory effects of anti-CD3.