Mechanisms of contact photosensitivity in mice. IV. Antigen-specific suppressor T cells induced by preirradiation of photosensitizing site to UVB
Takigawa, M.; Miyachi, Y.; Toda, K.; Yoshioka, A.
Journal of Immunology 132(3): 1124-1129
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-1767 PMID: 6198378 Document Number: 235326
Mice were successfully contact photosensitized with 3,3',4',5-tetrachlorosalicylanilide (TCSA) plus black light irradiation. Pre-exposure of the photosensitizing site (ca 5 cm2) to UVB (280 to 320 nm; 400 mJ/cm2) rendered mice unresponsive to a challenge reaction. Cell transfer experiments demonstrated that the spleens from the nonreactive mice contained suppressor T cells (Ts) that were antigen-specific and that blocked the afferent limb of contact photosensitivity to TCSA. To exert suppressive functions, Ts required another population of cyclophosphamide-sensitive T cells that resided in the spleens of nonsensitized mice. The results provide evidence that UVB-induced aberrant homeostasis of the skin caused a marked suppression of immune system that is associated with the generation of Ts.