The kinetics of T lymphocyte subpopulations in guinea-pigs sensitized with allogeneic transplantation antigens.

The kinetics of specifically sensitized T lymphocytes in the circulation and lymphoid tissues of guinea-pigs immunized with allogeneic transplantation antigens or with synthetic peptide sequence known to induce delayed-type hypersensitivity were documented by the antigen-stimulated active rosette-forming T cell (AgARFC) assay. The results show that immunologically functional cells sensitized to a particular antigen do not remain in the circulation when the antigenic source has been withdrawn. These cells become sequestered in lymphoid tissue and may be recalled into the circulation shortly after the de novo administration of sensitizing antigen. The detection of antigen-sensitive T cells in the circulation was indicative of the presence of and failure to detect these cells and their eventual appearance in lymphoid tissues was related to depletion of the antigenic source.