Context
Understanding the differences in gene expression patterns between resting and activated T cells may give important information about the regulation of these cells in health and disease. Several techniques have been used previously including subtraction techniques, differential display and gene arrays using T cells cultured ex vivo. This study involves the use of microchip technology to determine the expression pattern of over 6300 genes encoding a broad range of activities. This technology allows quantitative assessment of the change in gene expression between resting and activated cells. To assess the differences in expression of 6300 genes in resting (0 h) and activated (8 and 48 h poststimulation) T cells.