Abstract
The immune system defends the body against certain tumor cells and against foreign agents such as fungi, parasites, bacteria, and viruses. One of its main roles is to distinguish endogenous components from non-self-components. An unproperly functioning immune system is prone to primary immune deficiencies caused by either primary immune deficiencies such as genetic defects or secondary immune deficiencies such as physical, chemical, and in some instances, psychological stressors. In the manuscript, we will provide a brief overview of the immune system and immunotoxicology. We will also describe the biochemical mechanisms of immunotoxicants and how to evaluate immunotoxicity.
Highlights
For example, in food allergy, the immune system fails to achieve this state of unresponsiveness to one or more foods that leads to the activation of effector T cells against food antigens instead of regulatory T cells [47]
The second element is 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-pdioxin (TCDD), which is the most toxic of the group of structurally related compounds known as halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons [110]
When exposed to daily doses of Bisphenol A (BPA) within the range of human exposure, animals had disrupted insulin secretion and glucose sensitivity as well as an accelerated postnatal growth. These findings provided a strong argument for the possible association between developmental exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), especially BPA, and the development of obesity later in life [128]
Summary
The immune system orchestrates the body’s main defense against invading biologic agents including but not limited to bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and foreign tissues. Lymphocytes, neutrophils, macrophages, eosinophils, and basophils are the main players. These cells are produced at an increased rate during childhood, where such a blood draw in a child would reveal an average number of 3000/mm compared to 4500–11,000/mm in adults [1], and the development of the human immune system begins in the fetal period and reaches its maximum capacity around puberty [1]. T-cell precursors in the bone marrow move to the cortex in the thymus to undergo positive selection and later on to the medulla where they undergo negative selection. The former is when T-cells expressing T-cell receptors capable of binding self-major histocompatibility complex (MHC) on cortical epithelial cells survive. IFN-γ: interferon-gamma, IL: interleukin, Ig: immunoglobulin, TGF-β: transformation growth factor-beta
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
