Correlation of Mixed Lymphocyte Reactivity and Skin Graft Rejection in Nonhuman Primates

Abstract

One-way mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) reactivity and skin graft rejection were investigated to assess immune competence and histocompatibility in the baboon [Papio cynocephalus], the cebus monkey [Cebus albifrons] and the cotton-topped marmoset [Saguinus oedipus]. Adequate and comparable cell-mediated immunity was demonstrated. MLC reactions revealed strong histocompatibility differences among the 3 primate species and stimulating alloantigens for unrelated individuals of each species. Xenogeneic skin grafts survived 9 days and allogeneic grafts, an average of 11 days. These systems appear readily applicable for assessing histocompatibility in nonhuman primates.