STUDIES TO EVALUATE THE POTENTIAL FOR ENVIRONMENTAL&THERAPEUTIC AGENTS TO INDUCE IMMUNOTOXICITY - In vitro immunomodulation

Investigators

Abstract

In vitro techniques for hazard identification for potential sensitizers have been of increasing importance to the NIEHS. A research collaboration agreement with a commercial vendor was established to assess the utility of the GARDair assay to identify respiratory sensitizers. As an extension of the previously reported agency partner studies where >200 chemicals were evaluated using in vitro methods to assess their potential to induce skin sensitization, NIEHS requested nominations from partner agencies to evaluate the use of an in vitro method to evaluate chemicals for their potential to induce allergic responses in the lung. The GARDair assay uses a gene set that has potential for identifying respiratory sensitizers. Agency partners nominated a total of 100 chemicals to be tested, including known respiratory sensitizers as well as chemicals of unknown potential to induce sensitization. BRT completed procurement of the chemicals in FY23 and the laboratory studies are ongoing. To date, 20 chemicals have passed range finder assays and the main runs are completed. NIEHS funded BRT participation in validation trials for the Electrophilic Allergen Screening Assay (EASA). This assay uses non-protein/peptide probes in a cell-free assessment to measure the ability of a test substance to “react” with biologically important molecules for the identification of electrophilic allergic contact dermatitis hazards. Data collection for these chemicals was completed in FY22 and the study method transfer and validation reports were completed and closed in FY23.