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Contact Hypersensitivity: Quantitative Aspects, Susceptibility and Risk Factors

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Book cover T Lymphocytes as Tools in Diagnostics and Immunotoxicology

Part of the book series: Experientia Supplementum ((EXS,volume 104))

Abstract

The development of allergic sensitisation by environmental chemicals results in allergic contact dermatitis and highly undesirable morbidity and disability. This form of hypersensitivity is mediated by specific T lymphocytes that recognise the chemical sensitiser bound to self-proteins. Use of deliberate experimental contact sensitisation with dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) has been used to investigate the human immune system which exhibits dose-related responses. Many factors contribute to whether sensitisation occurs and the nature and magnitude of the immune response. Chemicals vary in sensitising potency, mainly reflecting their intrinsic protein-binding properties. The amount of sensitiser reaching the immune system is determined by many factors of which the concentration (dose per unit area), the relative lipid solubility and molecular weight are the most critical. Host-related factors contributing to the nature and magnitude of immune responses are mainly genetically determined including gender, age, the biochemical/physical integrity of the epidermal barrier and the quality of the innate and adaptive immune systems. The underlying mechanisms must be elucidated before it will be possible to make reliable predictions of whether a given individual will develop allergic sensitisation by a given chemical.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dermatopharmacology Unit, Division of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Sir Henry Wellcome Laboratories, School of Medicine, Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust, Tremona Road, Southampton, UK

    Peter S. Friedmann & Christopher Pickard

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  1. Peter S. Friedmann
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  2. Christopher Pickard
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Correspondence to Peter S. Friedmann .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany

    Stefan F. Martin

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Friedmann, P.S., Pickard, C. (2014). Contact Hypersensitivity: Quantitative Aspects, Susceptibility and Risk Factors. In: Martin, S. (eds) T Lymphocytes as Tools in Diagnostics and Immunotoxicology. Experientia Supplementum, vol 104. Springer, Basel. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-0348-0726-5_5

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