mixed lymphocyte culture reaction


mixed lym·pho·cyte cul·ture test

a test for histocompatibility of HLA-D antigens in which donor and recipient lymphocytes are mixed in culture; the degree of incompatibility is indicated by the number of cells that have undergone transformation and mitosis, or by the uptake of radioactive isotope-labeled thymidine. Synonym(s): MLC test

mixed lymphocyte culture reaction

A laboratory test in which lymphocytes from different individuals are mixed to identify the presence of particular HLA class II antigens. The T cells from the “responder” will synthesize DNA and proliferate only if they do not have the same histocompatibility antigens as the “donor cells, ” homozygous cells with known HLA types. The donor cells are irradiated to prevent their proliferation during the test.