Antigen-binding T and B Lymphocytes in Sensitization and Unresponsiveness to Dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) Contact Sensitivity.

The frequency of DNP-binding T and B lymphocytes was studied in various states of sensitization and unresponsiveness to DNCB contact sensitivity In guinea-pigs, where unresponsiveness to DNCB had been established with DNBSO3 by pretreatment or during the primary response, no increase in antigen-binding cell frequency was found after antigenic stimulation. On the contrary, DNCB-sensitive guinea-pigs, later desensitized with DNBSO3, showed the same frequency of antigen-binding cells as sensitized animals, although they were unable to react to DNCB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]