Biologic Markers in Immunotoxicology

Third in a series on biologic markers, this volume focuses on the human immune system and its response to environmental toxicants. It provides direction for continuing development of biologic markers, with strategies for applying markers to immunotoxicology in humans and recommended outlines for clinical and field studies.

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Are environmental pollutants threatening the human immune system? Researchers are rapidly approaching definitive answers to this question, with the aid of biologic markers—sophisticated assessment tools that could revolutionize detection and prevention of certain diseases.


This volume, third in a series on biologic markers, focuses on the human immune system and its response to environmental toxicants. The authoring committee provides direction for continuing development of biologic markers, with strategies for applying markers to immunotoxicology in humans and recommended outlines for clinical and field studies.


This comprehensive, up-to-date volume will be invaluable to specialists in toxicology and immunology and to biologists and investigators involved in the development of biologic markers.

Table of Contents


Front Matter
Summary
1 Introduction
2 The Structure and Function of the Immune System and Mechanisms of Immunotoxicology
3 Biologic Markers for Immune-Mediated Disease
4 Autoimmune Diseases
5 The Capacity of Toxic Agents to Compromise the Immune System (Biologic Markers of Immunosuppression)
6 Animal Models for Use in Detecting Immunotoxic Potential and Determining Mechanisms of Action
7 Human Immune-System Biologic Markers of Immunotoxicity
8 Application of Biologic Markers of Immunotoxicity in Epidemiology
9 Use of Biologic Markers in Controversial Areas of Environmental Health
10 Summary and Recommendations
References
Glossary
Biographies
Index