Immunity to jellyfish venoms: suppression of venom-induced immune responses in ultraviolet B-irradiated mice

Lymph node and spleen cells from mice immunized with sea nettle (Chrysaora quinquecirrha) venom exhibited a proliferative response after exposure to the homologous antigen or that of a related jellyfish, Physalia (Portuguese man-o'-war). Native venom was a more effective stimulant than heated, non-lethal venom. Ultraviolet light treatments administered to the skin either before or after venom sensitization suppressed the proliferative response of these internal immune cells.