Regulatory mechanisms of cutaneous delayed-type hypersensitivity. I. Suppression of cutaneous delayed-type hypersensitivity by migration inhibitory factor.

The macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) fraction was prepared from the immunoadsorbent column by using anti-guinea pig MIF antiserum. Suppression of cutaneous delayed-type hypersensitivity was achieved by intraperitoneal injection of the MIF fraction into the animals bearing macrophage-rich peritoneal exudates. Skin reactions induced by phytohemagglutinin (PHA) were also suppressed in these animals. Reactivity to skin reactive factor (SRF) was suppressed in these animals as well. The sera obtained from these animals exhibited the inhibitory activity against production of lymphokines from sensitized lymphocytes.