A Sensitive IL-1 Thymocyte Co-Stimulator Assay Using a Novel β-D-Galactoside Specific Lectin from the Beetle, Allomyrina dichotoma

Abstract

A sensitive thymocyte co-stimulator assay of IL-1 using a β-D-galactoside specific lectin (allo A) obtained from the beetle (Allomyrina dichotoma) is reported here. Allo A stimulated [³H] thymidine uptake of mouse thymocytes in the presence of IL-1. The allo A assay was more sensitive than the PHA or PNA^- thymocyte assay, especially at low doses of IL-1. Optimal conditions for the allo A assay were as follows: allo A, 2.5-5.0μg/ml; whole thymocytes, 0.5-1.0×10⁶ cells/well; incubation time, 72-96hr. The assay is sensitive and convenient and can easily be performed in any laboratory.