Delayed type hypersensitivity to allogeneic cells in mice. II. Cell transfer studies.

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.