Adoptive transfer of cell-mediated immunity to tuberculin using RNA from tuberculin-sensitive subjects.

Adoptive transfer of delayed hypersensitivity skin test response to tuberculin with 'immune' RNA extracted from the sensitized lymphocytes of a healthy subject or a patient with Hodgkin's disease was successfully demonstrated in previously non-sensitive patients with neoplastic diseases including Hodgkin's disease. 'Non-immune' RNA obtained from non-sensitive man, on the other hand, failed to transfer PPD skin reactivity in non-sensitive recipients. 'Immune' RNA-mediated PPD skin test response remained positive for a considerable period of time, indicating that the effect of 'immune' RNA is systemically active. 'Immune' RNA was found to be RNase-sensitive but DNase-resistant. In vitro adoptive transfer of delayed hypersensitivity with 'immune' RNA, as assayed by lymphocyte transformation test, was unsuccessful.