MULTIPLE PASSIVE TRANSFER OF DELAYED TYPE OF HYPERSENSITIVITY IN HUMANS

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Abstract
Simultaneous, multiple, passive transfer of the delayed type of hypersensitivity to human, Battey, and avian tuberculins has been accomplished in man. Reactions to Battey and avian tuberculins were transferred more frequently than reactions to human tuberculin, suggesting the possibility that differences exist in the "transfer factors" involved. With one exception, delayed sensitivity did not develop in 6 negative recipients when leukocytes were obtained from donors showing no sensitivity to any of the test materials. In 4 cases the recipients developed positive reactions to one of the tuberculins although the corresponding donors had no reactions to the same material. The possibility of active sensitization due to repeated skin tests or to infections with mycobacteria is mentioned as a possible cause of these "false" positive reactions. Passive transfer of histoplasmin sensitivity was successful in only one of 6 persons by the technique described.