Teeth transplanted across a multiple non-H-2 barrier stimulated weak cell-mediated immunity without memory.

The genetic and immunologic criteria required for successful tooth transplantation have yet to be defined. Teeth grafted across strong barriers elicit vigorous immunity. However, teeth and tooth germs transplanted to subcutaneous sites in H-2 compatible but multiple-non-H-2 disparate recipients stimulated weak in vitro cellular cytotoxicity compared with skin grafts 5 mm in diameter. Furthermore, tooth allografts did not sensitize recipients as measured by the rejection of second-set, donor skin grafts. It may be that tooth allografts provoke fewer detrimental immune mediator systems than do skin grafts across moderate to weak transplantation barriers.