Effect of the elimination of suppressor cells on the development of DNCB contact sensitivity in guinea-pig.

The effect of suppressor cells on the formation of effector cells was studied by comparing the development of DNCB contact sensitivity in cyclophosphamide-treated (suppressor cells eliminated) and non-treated (suppressor cells present) guinea-pigs. From experiments in four different models of generation of effector cells the following conclusions are drawn: (1) impulses activating the formation of effector cells also activate suppressor cells; (2) under conditions of conventional immunization, suppressor cells are activated later than effector cells; (3) elimination of suppressor cells results in an increase in the intensity and duration of specific skin reactions.