phytohaemagglutinin
phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) Any of various plant-derived compounds that induce changes in lymphocytes normally associated with antigen challenge. These changes include cell enlargement, increased RNA and DNA synthesis, and, finally, cell division. Response to PHAs is used to test for competence of cell-mediated immunity, for example in patients suffering chronic virus infections.
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phytohaemagglutinin