The Test for the in Vitro Inhibition of Macrophage Migration

Abstract

Human peripheral blood lymphocytes, when incubated with specific soluble antigen, produce a soluble factor which inhibit the migration of normal guinea pig peritoneal exudate cells out of small capillary tubes. This factor is produced only when the subject is sensitized previously by the stimulating antigen and is referrd to as MIF. The in vitro assay method for the detection of MIF by the capillary tube technique is called MIF test or MI test. This test is currently one of the most useful tool for the study of cellular immunity and has its origin in the experimental work of delayed hypersensitivity. More recently, it has been applied widely to the analysis of human immunological disorders, such as autoimmunity, transplantation, immunodeficiency, or cancer immunity. For example, we have successfully used this method for the detection of cellular sensitivity to glomerulonephritis. In this paper, the principle and practical manipulation of MIF test were introduced.