Cyclophosphamide and interleukin-12 synergistically upregulate the acquisition of allergic contact dermatitis in the mouse.

Cyclophosphamide given before allergen and recombinant interleukin-12 administered at the time of allergic sensitization substantially increase the acquisition of allergic contact dermatitis in the mouse. Since their immunoadjuvant mechanisms appeared different, it seemed probable that combining cyclophosphamide pretreatment with interleukin 12 administration would result in a more intense allergic contact dermatitis than when either agent was used alone. This was tested in different groups of mice sensitized to dinitrofluorobenzene or to oxazolone. Consistently, immunopotentiation of allergic contact dermatitis was significantly greater with the two immunoadjuvants than with either alone. This immunoadjuvant combination is likely to find use in immunization protocols designed to induce a Th-1 helper cell response.