An in vivo tiered approach to test immunosensitization by low molecular weight compounds

Methods Mol Biol. 2010:598:27-37. doi: 10.1007/978-1-60761-401-2_3.

Abstract

New chemical entities are tested in general toxicity assays during development before entering clinical trials. However, immunosensitization of these entities is not tested on a standard basis. There are no in vitro or in vivo standardized methods available for testing immunosensitization or immunostimulation. In this chapter, we describe a tiered strategy oral exposure model for assessing immunosensitization or immunostimulation capacity of low molecular weight compounds. The strategy starts from a set of data that may provide information on bioactivation, conjugation (hapten-protein conjugate formation), cytotoxicity and signs of inflammation in any of the animals in a 28 day-toxicity study. In case of concern, a reporter antigen-popliteal lymph node assay (RA-PLNA) and, subsequently, an oral exposure experiment with the reporter antigen can be performed. Based on the presence of RA-specific immune responses an indication for immunosensitization can be found.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens / immunology*
  • Cell Culture Techniques
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity, Delayed / immunology*
  • Immunization / methods*
  • Lymph Nodes / cytology
  • Lymph Nodes / immunology
  • Mice
  • Molecular Weight
  • Random Allocation
  • T-Lymphocytes / cytology
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology

Substances

  • Antigens