Delayed Type Hypersensitivity to Allogeneic Cells in Mice

Sensitivity to allogeneic cell surface antigens was transferred to naive mice by lymphoid cells from sensitized mice. Sensitivity was detected 24-48 h after antigen challenge and was associated with a mononuclear cell infiltration. The cells responsible for transfer were T lymphocytes as demonstrated by successful transfer with cell suspensions enriched for T lymphocytes, and by abrogation of transfer following treatment with anti-Thy-1.2 serum and complement. Both Lyl+ and Ly2+3+ bearing T cells were involved. Removal of Ia+ cells had no effect on the ability of sensitized lymphoid cells to transfer the reaction to naive mice.