GENETIC-CONTROL OF DELAYED-TYPE HYPERSENSITIVITY TO GOLD ANTIGENS IN MICE

The genetic control of delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) to both gol d(I) and gold(III) antigens was investigated in various strains of mic e. Most mouse strains, with the exception of those with the major hist ocompatibility complex I-A(b) allele, showed a marked DTH response to each antigen; the magnitude of the response to gold(III) was greater t han that of the response to gold(I). Moreover, the high responsive tra it was dominant. The DTH footpad response was mediated by CD4(+)8(-), Ia(-) T cells. However, CD8(+) T cells did not suppress footpad swelli ng. These results indicate that gold(I) and gold(III) can both stimula te a DTH response in mice. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.