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Immunotoxicology
Michael A. Trush , PhD
Johns Hopkins University
Section A
Overview of Immunotoxicology
Definition
Š Immunotoxicology is an adverse or
inappropriate change in the structure or
function of the immune system after
exposure to a foreign substance
(xenobiotic)
4
Potential Effects of Chemical Exposure
on Immunological Function
May lead to
immune-mediated disease
(hypersensitivity, autoimmunity)
Immunoenhancement
Homeostasis
Immunosuppression
No effect
May lead to enhanced susceptibility to disease
5
Cardinal Characteristics of the
Immune System
Š Specificity
Š Memory
Š Ability to distinguish self from non-self
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Differentiation
of
hematopoietic
stem cells
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Cytokines
Š Molecular mediators of immune and
inflammatory reactions
– Interleukins
– Interferons
– Haemopoietic growth factors
– Tumor necrosis factors
– Transforming growth factors
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