Chemical allergy: Cellular and molecular mechanisms and novel approaches to predictive testing

A wide variety of chemicals is known to cause allergy-both allergic contact dermatitis and respiratory hypersensitivity. Historically the species of choice for the predictive assessment of sensitizing potential has been the guinea pig, the emphasis being on measurement of allergic reactions provoked by challenge of previously sensitized animals. However, in parallel with enhanced understanding of the mechanisms through which chemical allergy is induced and regulated, there have emerged opportunities to define novel strategies for predictive testing. Much has been achieved in the mouse and this article will focus on new approaches to testing in this species where activity is measured as a function of events occurring during the induction phase of sensitization.