Chemical Immunology Lab

We have developed a platform for in vitro immunotoxicological profiling of synthesized compounds as well as chemicals and mixtures relevant to human and environmental health. Exposure to such substances or delivery systems can affect our immune system (i) directly potentially causing immunosuppression, immunostimulation and autoimmunity; or (ii) indirectly via disruption of the endocrine system, through their actions on nuclear aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Importantly, due to frequent use of personal care products (PCP), their ingredients are released into the environment, where they may form transformation products. There is a huge knowledge gap in immunotoxicological profile of such transformation products. Specifically, we investigate the immunotoxicity of compounds by assessing their effect on: (a) immune cell viability, (b) cytokine secretion profile and (c) surface marker expression. We also study the impact of PCP ingredients and their transformation products on modulation of AhR signaling pathway. We also have at disposal an in-house in vitro platform to predict the effect on all other relevant nuclear receptors.