In vitro induction of specific T cells able to help in the generation of delayed-type hypersensitivity by thymus-dependent and type-II 'thymus-independent' antigens.
An in vitro system is described which supports the primary induction of T cells able to help in the induction of delayed-type hypersensitivity. This system is used to demonstrate that hapten-Ficoll conjugates induce potent hapten-specific T cells with this function. These type-II 'thymus-independent' antigens are thus able to induce specific regulatory T cells. These helper T cells are similar to those induced by classical thymus-dependent antigens in that they are specific for antigen rather than idiotype and act by a linked mechanism.
D000818:Animals; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000276:immunology*; D000939:Epitopes; D006241:Haptens / Q000276:immunology; D006968:Hypersensitivity, Delayed / Q000276:immunology*; D051379:Mice; D008815:Mice, Inbred Strains; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000276:immunology* / Q000528:radiation effects; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000276:immunology*
D000954:Antigens, Surface; D000939:Epitopes; D006241:Haptens