Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026
09:03
Rapid In Vivo Assessment of Adjuvant's Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes Generation Capabilities for Vaccine Development
Published on: June 19, 2018
New developments in the assessment of developmental immunotoxicology
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA. rrd1@cornell.edu
Journal of Immunotoxicology
|October 30, 2008
Summary
Non-adults are more sensitive to immunotoxicants than adults. Developmental immunotoxicology data suggests non-adult exposure assessment is crucial for identifying risks in vulnerable populations.
Area of Science:
- Immunotoxicology
- Developmental Toxicology
- Risk Assessment
Background:
- Growing database on developmental immunotoxicology reveals age-based differences in chemical exposure risks.
- Traditional immunotoxicity testing primarily uses adult models, potentially overlooking risks in younger populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review data supporting age-based differences in sensitivity to immunotoxicants.
- To explore the benefits of incorporating non-adult exposures and life-stage-relevant immune assessments in risk evaluation.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent findings and data from the Immunotoxicology III conference.
- Comparison of immunotoxicological risk assessment strategies for adult versus non-adult populations.
Main Results:
- Non-adult stages exhibit higher sensitivity to immunomodulation by most known immunotoxicants compared to adults.
- Adult exposure-outcome data alone is insufficient for comprehensive risk assessment.
Conclusions:
- Current adult-centric immunotoxicity testing may not adequately protect vulnerable subpopulations.
- Substituting non-adult exposure assessments in protocols could enhance protection for susceptible groups.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Development of Immunocompetence
The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
01:23Toxicity Testing in Animals
Toxicity tests in animals are grounded on two main assumptions: first, the effects observed in laboratory animals can be extrapolated to humans, especially when adjusted for body surface area; second, high-dose exposure in animals is essential to identify potential human hazards from lower doses. This is based on the quantal dose-response concept, which faces the challenge of extrapolating results from relatively few test animals to much larger human populations. For example, a 0.01% incidence...
01:25Immunodeficiency Diseases
Immunodeficiency disorders are conditions in which the immune system's ability to fight infectious disease and cancer is compromised or entirely absent. The immune system comprises a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from potentially harmful invaders. When this system is deficient or not functioning properly, it leaves the body susceptible to infections, diseases, or other complications.
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...