Role of UVB-induced serum factor(s) in suppression of contact hypersensitivity in mice.

Ultraviolet, 280-320 nm (UVB), irradiation of the shaved dorsal skin of mice results in suppression of the development of contact hypersensitivity (CHS) to antigens applied subsequently to a distant nonirradiated skin site. Serum from BALB/cAnNCr mice exposed to a single dose of UVB radiation (8.6 X 10(4) J/m2) was evaluated for its ability to induce suppression of CHS to 2-chloro-1,3,5-trinitrobenzene (TNCB), a contact allergen, after transfer to normal recipients. Serum from UVB-irradiated donors was capable of inducing immunosuppression only when collected and transferred within a restricted time period, i.e., approximately 2-6 h post irradiation, and at least 400 microliters of serum per recipient was required. Serum from UVB-irradiated donors was sufficient to induce splenic suppressor cells in recipient mice.