Concanavalin A (Con A)-induced Lymphocyte Proliferation

Laboratory assay overview

Measurement of human lymphocyte proliferative responses to various stimuli is a fundamental technique used to assess their biological status and functions. Mitogens, such as plant lectins phytohemagglutinin (PHA), concanavalin A (Con A) and pokeweed mitogen (PWM), are known for their ability to nonspecifically stimulate lymphocyte proliferation and used to evaluate patient immune responsiveness. Both T and B lymphocytes are stimulated by PWM, while only T cells are stimulated by PHA and Con A. Impaired responses to these mitogens are seen in immunodeficiency diseases, certain infections, and cancers. Lymphocyte proliferative response to antigens, such as candida, tetanus toxoid, and tuberculin purified protein derivative (PPD) are evaluated as a function of memory in cell-mediated immunity. Lack of response can indicate either the absence of prior exposure to specific antigens, a waning response to the antigen following exposure many years earlier, or a general decrease in lymphocyte reactivity due to primary or secondary immune deficiency. Note that even in healthy individuals, lymphocyte proliferative responses are known to be affected by the use of certain medications, alcohol, and stress.

Quest Diagnostics population reference ranges

Quest Diagnostics calculates these statistical intervals for this specific assay and demographic group, not as universal optimal targets.

Laboratory assay overview

Measurement of human lymphocytes' proliferative responses to various stimuli is a fundamental technique used to assess their biological status and functions. Mitogens, such as plant lectins phytohemagglutinin (PHA), concanavalin A (Con A) and pokeweed mitogen (PWM), are able to nonspecifically stimulate lymphocyte proliferation and used to evaluate patient immune responsiveness. Lymphocyte proliferation response to antigens, such as Candida, tetanus toxoid and tuberculin purified protein derivative (PPD), are evaluated as a function of memory in cell-mediated immunity.

Laboratory assay overview

Measurement of human lymphocytes' proliferative responses to various stimuli is a fundamental technique used to assess their biological status and functions. Mitogens, such as plant lectins phytohemagglutinin (PHA), concanavalin A (Con A) and pokeweed mitogen (PWM), are able to nonspecifically stimulate lymphocyte proliferation and used to evaluate patient immune responsiveness.