[Protective role of effectors and T-suppressors of delayed hypersensitivity in mice with a localized staphylococcal infection].

To induce delayed hypersensitivity (DH) in mice, experimental local infection with a small dose of Staphylococcus aureus was used. The production of suppressor cells was shown to occur after the intravenous injection of a large dose of killed staphylococcal culture. Experiments with the use of cell transfer and the treatment of lymphocytes with Thy-1 antiserum in the presence of the complement demonstrated the T-lymphocytic nature of DH and its suppression. The study revealed that the role played by DH in antistaphylococcal immunity was different in the animals infected by the subcutaneous routes; besides, the regulatory action of T-suppressors of DH was established.