Hi all,

I am starting a new experiment on cultivating PBMCs for viral RNA analysis. The thing is I wanted to cultivate the cells ex vivo for a short period of time to just slightly stimulate the cells, but not too long as it won't reflect the original cell-associated viral RNA in the cells.

I tried cultivating the cells with TNF-a stimulation of 10ng/mL for 12 hours but there is no effect. I was thinking to increase the cultivation time and add in IL2 as well, but couldn't find any studies which have such a protocol.

Anyone here can advice on a good ex vivo cultivation / stimulation protocol without the use of PHA/ionomycin/antiCD3/antiCD28?

Thank you very much.