ThermoFisher
PMA (Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate)
J63916.MCR
Info: Supplier Page
T-cell activation generally requires specific activation of the T-cell receptor. Antigen-independent activation can be achieved using PMA to induce IL-2 production.
Cell culture
T-cells
Titrate to achieve optimal dose.
Experiments involving T-cell activation should include a positive control for activation, which can be fulfilled using PMA. This compound activates PKC to promote calcium release, resulting in activation of the T-cell. This can be observed by staining for CD69. When stimulated with PMA, 100% of T-cells are CD69+ after 24 hours.
N/A
Applicable to cell lines and primary cells.
Optimal dose should be determined empirically, adding too much can kill the cells.
This is a useful positive control for T-cell activation in any experiment.