Guidelines for preparation and characterization of chemical-protein conjugate antigens: Report of the Subcommittee on Preparation and Characterization of Low Molecular Weight Antigens

Abstract

Occupational asthma is a significant cause of morbidity in the workplace for which immunologic and nonimmunologic causative agents have been identified.’ For nonimmunologic forms of occupational asthma, a diagnosis may rely on a careful occupational history accompanied by documentation of work-related changes in pulmonary function associated with exposure to the causative agent. In some cases in which immunologic markers are not identifiable, diagnostic confirmation of occupational asthma may require specific bronchoprovocation challenge testing to the suspected causative substance. However, occupational immunologic lung disease (OILD) can be diagnosed with the assistance of either in vivo or in vitro immunologic tests. This report will present recommended guidelines for preparing and characterizing antigens that can be useful for the diagnosis of OILD caused by reactive low molecular weight (LMW) chemicals. These guidelines are based on established methodologies used to prepare antigens with LMW agents that have already been recognized to cause OILD. The acid anhydride, diisocyanate, and precious metallic salt groups of chemicals are prime examples of such substances that have been successfully used to prepare suitable antigens for both in vivo or in vitro testing of workers with OILD.’