I'm seeking feedback as to whether x-ray irradiation, rather than gamma-irradiation, is used to prepare PBL stimulator cells for in vitro CTL cultures. Purchase of an x-ray generating unit, as opposed to an irradiator with a sealed gamma source, is less costly and engenders fewer regulatory and safety issues.
I know of one company (Associated X-Ray Corp in East Haven, CT) which makes a suitable machine. In fact, I used one of their units in years past when doing mouse T cell culture work. However, I've never seen any investigator report in the literature that they prepared autologous stimulators for CD8+ T cell cultures by x-irradiation. Comments by anyone who does human T-cell culture work would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Geoffrey Cole
