Adjuvants in the induction of suppressor cells

Abstract

The effect of different mycobacterial adjuvants on the parameters of delayed hypersensitivity was investigated in strain 13 guinea pigs. The composition of the tubercle bacilli and the type of vehicle in which the antigen was presented determined the presence and extent of suppressor cell activity. When antigen was introduced in complete Freund adjuvant, both adherent and nonadherent cells had suppressive properties, with the suppressive effect demonstrable in vitro from 1 to 5 weeks after sensitization. Suppressor activity was indicated in vivo by a reduction of delayed footpad hypersensitivity in animals presensitized with complete Freund adjuvant.