Regulatory Immunotoxicology — The Scientist’s Point of View: An Introduction

Abstract

Immunotoxicology describes adverse health effects that result from the interaction of xenobiotics with the immune system. In the context of consideration of some of the key regulatory issues, two main categories of adverse effects may be identified: immunotoxicity and allergy. The ability of chemicals to impair the functional integrity of one or more components of the immune system is defined as immunotoxicity. Here the concern is that compromised immune function will result in reduced host resistance and an increased susceptibility to infectious and malignant disease. Allergy describes the adverse effects that may be caused by the stimulation of specific immune responses; the most common manifestations of chemical-induced allergy being contact dermatitis and respiratory hypersensitivity associated with rhinitis and asthma.