Biologic Markers in Immunotoxicology

Biologic Markers in Immunotoxicology
by Subcommittee on Immunotoxicology, Committee on Biologic Markers, Board on Environmental Studies and

The Committee on Biologic Markers was organized to consider the areas of environmental research in which the use of biologic markers offered the greatest potential for major contributions. Four biologic systems were chosen: the reproductive system, the respiratory system, the immune system, and the urinary system. A companion report, report is the product of the Subcommittee on Immunotoxicology, which included clinicians, epidemiologists,
toxicologists, pathologists, and biochemists. Our intent was to consider various kinds of basic research that might reveal markers of environmental exposure and disease, even if the original goal of the research had nothing to do with such markers. Eventually, the subcommittee decided to place major emphasis on biologic markers of three types: markers originating from the immune system, markers related to immunosuppressive toxicants of exposure, and markers of effects of environmental pollutants. Markers of susceptibility to
environmental materials also were considered important and were included especially if they were of a genetic nature and could serve to identify individuals who are susceptible to autoimmune diseases.

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