Cytotoxicity Mediated by Soluble Antigen and Lymphocytes in Delayed Hypersensitivity

The cytopathic effect of lymph node cells from tuberculin-sensitized rats on rat embryo fibroblasts in the presence of PPD was not enhanced by admixture of normal (nonsensitized) lymph node cells. Preincubation studies showed that this in vitro response is initiated by the reaction of lymphocytes with specific antigen, beginning within 30 min, rather than uptake of antigen by the fibroblasts. The supernatant fluids from suspensions of sensitized cells incubated with PPD for 17 hr or more possessed cytotoxic activity. The target fibroblasts showed a marked increase in acid phosphatase content within 48 hr after the addition of sensitized lymph node cells and antigen.