LANGERHANS CELL-FUNCTION DICTATES INDUCTION OF CONTACT HYPERSENSITIVITY OR UNRESPONSIVENESS TO DNFB IN SYRIAN-HAMSTERS

[摘要] The relationship between distribution and function of Langerhans cells within the epidermis and the capacity of cutaneous surfaces to promote the induction of contact hypersensitivity to DNFB [dinitrofluorobenzene] were examined in inbred Syrian hamsters. Hamster cutaneous surfaces deficient in normally functioning Langerhans cells, naturally (cheek pouch epithelium) or artificially (after perturbation with UV), are inefficient at promoting DNFB sensitization. DNFB application to these regions of skin resulted in the induction of a state of specific unresponsiveness. Viable lymphoid cells from unresponsive hamsters can transfer the unresponsiveness to naive hamsters suggesting that active suppression is at least partly responsible, probably mediated by T lymphocytes.