Introduction
Delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) refers to a type of hypersensitivity reaction mediated by sensitized T lymphocytes upon re-exposure to the same antigen, characterized primarily by mononuclear cell infiltration and tissue cell damage. With further progression, DTH can lead to local tissue hyperemia, edema, granuloma formation, and even tissue necrosis, which clinically manifests as infectious allergy or contact dermatitis.
Disease models
For T cell-mediated immune responses to contact allergens, the mouse contact hypersensitivity model represents a well-established in vivo research system. Keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH), owing to its potent immunogenicity, promotes dendritic cell‑mediated Th1 cell activation and is therefore widely used to induce systemic delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH).
The SMOC has long been dedicated to autoimmune disease research and has developed a variety of mouse models of delayed-type hypersensitivity using KLH and other agents, providing powerful tools for the efficacy evaluation and safety assessment of related drugs.
