Study note
MicrobiologyImmune Response

Migration inhibitory factor test

THE CONTEXT
The migration inhibitory factor test assesses cell-mediated immunity through inhibition of cell migration after exposure to a relevant antigen.

Original method

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Packed peritoneal macrophages in a capillary tube are incubated in a culture chamber.
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The macrophages normally migrate to form a lacy, fan-like pattern.
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When macrophages come from a guinea pig sensitised to tuberculoprotein, adding tuberculin to the chamber inhibits their migration.

Clinical adaptation

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Human peripheral leucocytes are incubated in capillary tubes in culture chambers.
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Introducing an antigen to which the individual has cell-mediated immunity prevents leucocyte migration.
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Comparison with a control allows semi-quantitative assessment of migration inhibition.
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