cell-mediated hypersensitivity, hypersensitivity initiated by antigen-specific T lymphocytes. Unlike forms of hypersensitivity mediated by antibodies, it takes one or more days to develop and can be transferred by lymphocytes but not by serum. The term is often equated with delayed hypersensitivity, or type IV hypersensitivity. Kinds include rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes mellitus, multiple sclerosis.
