“Omics” Technologies and the Immune System

Abstract

Recent advances in genomics-based identification of gene families and gene polymorphisms associated with immune system dysfunction have answered basic questions in immunology and have begun to move forward our understanding of immune-related disease processes. In toxicology, “omic” technologies have the potential to replace or supplement current immunotoxicological screening procedures, to provide insight into potential mode or mechanisms of action, and to provide data suitable for risk assessment. The application of omic technologies to the study of the immune system also has great potential to appreciably impact the diagnosis and treatment of immune-related diseases. This review focuses on the use of omic technologies in immunopharmacology and immunotoxicology, specifically considering the potential for these technologies to impact chemical hazard identification, risk characterization and risk assessment, and the development and application of novel therapeutics. The state of the science of omics technologies and the immune system is addressed in terms of a continuum of understanding of how omics technologies can and cannot yet be applied in the various aspects of immunopharmacology and immunotoxicology. Additionally, information gaps are identified that, once addressed, will move each area further down the continuum of understanding.

Keywords :

• Omics in Immunology
• Omics in Immunotoxicology
• Immunomics
• Immunopharmacogenomics Immunotoxicogenomics
• Gene Array
• Allergy
• Autoimmunity
• Cytokines
• Dendritic Cells
• TCDD
• Dioxin
• Ethanol
• Hypersensitivity
• Immune-Mediated Disease
• Langerhan's Cell
• Mechanisms of Immunotoxicity
• Sensitization

Notes

ⁱSponsored by: the Immunotoxicology Branch, Environmental Toxicology Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Heath Sciences; the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Protection; The Dow Chemical Company; DuPont Haskall Laboratories; the International Life Sciences Institute, Health and Environmental Sciences Institute's Immunotoxicology Technical Committee; and the Society of Toxicology.