FITC-Induced Contact Hypersensitivity in Mice

CHS was induced using the hapten FITC (Sigma–Aldrich) as described previously with minor modification [59 (link)]. In brief, 100 μl 0.5% FITC (Sigma–Aldrich) resuspended in acetone and DBP (Sigma–Aldrich) (at a ratio of 1:1) was painted onto the shaved skin of WT and p38α^ΔDC mice on Days 0 and 1. On Day 6, the baseline ear thickness was measured, and the mice were challenged by applying 20 μl of 0.5% FITC or vehicle onto the contralateral ear. Ear thickness was measured, and the mice were sacrificed for analysis 24 h later. Skin cells were prepared as previously described [63 ].