The Fate of Antigen in Delayed Hypersensitivity Skin Reactions

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Abstract
The fate of several protein antigens was followed in delayed hypersensitivity skin reactions in the guinea pig. 125I-labeled HSA and horseradish peroxidase were followed by autoradiography as were the 3H-labeled arsanilic acid conjugates of the synthetic polypeptides L- and D-GAT. Peroxidase activity was also localized by a histochemical method. Initially the bulk of all antigens studied was extracellular in the dermis and deeper tissues. Antigen was rapidly cleared from the local site by diffusion into both lymphatics and blood vessels. Even at the earliest intervals some antigen was found within fixed tissue macrophages. However, the extent of phagocytosis varied greatly with different antigens, being maximal with peroxidase and minimal with the others studied. In confirmation of previous work, antigen clearance was little affected by the development of a delayed reaction. Infiltrating mononuclear cells showed little tendency to phagocytose antigen, although occasional labeled cells were found. The distribution of antigen observed thus differed in certain respects from previous reports which followed the localization of vaccinia virus, ferritin and ferritin-conjugates. However, no definite differences in the handling of antigen were noted between experimental and control lesions.

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