[The antigen-specific rosette test--its value for clinically relevant problems]

The antigen specific rosette test was used for the evaluation of the sensibilization in animal models and in patients to antigens with clinical relevance. The corresponding antigens were coupled to sheep- and guinea pig-erythrocytes respectively or to a synthetical carrier and we have determined the frequency of antigen binding lymphocytes in patients or animals by rosette formation. The suitability of this test we have studied for following problems: Evaluation of a sensitization against a cutaneous burn toxin in mice following thermic injury, against the transplantation antigens in pigs following allogenic renal transplantation, against TAA from breast carcinoma in patients with breast cancer.