All courses

Immunotoxicology

Utrecht University
4 days
1.5 ECTS
Tuition fees

Aim of the course

Immunotoxic agents can affect the immune system. This interaction may result in direct toxicity. The immune system may also react to immunotoxic agents in a specific fashion. Immune responses to these agents may then lead to indirect adverse effects. Immunotoxic agents include chemicals, genetically modified products, and radiation. Exposure can occur at the work place, in the indoor and in the outdoor environment, via food and via medicinal procedures. The aim of the course is to familiarize participants with consequenses of immunotoxicity, mechanisms of immunotoxicity, and testing for immunotoxicity.

The course consists of lectures, and tutorials in which case studies of various examples of immunotoxicity will be dealt with. Subjects include:

  • Immunotoxicology-related aspects of toxicology
  • Immunology
  • Immunotoxicology
  • Immune deficiencies
  • Immunosuppression
  • Clinical allergy
  • Immunotoxicological-aspects of allergy
  • Chemical-induced autoimmunity
  • Clinical autoimmunity
  • Cases: silicons, hexachlorobenzene.

On successful completion of the course, participants should have knowledge on:

  • the general principles of immunotoxicology;
  • clinical and epidemiological aspects of immunotoxicity;
  • the specific aspects of immunotoxicology, i.e., immunosuppression, allergy, and autoimmunity;
  • selected toxicants in the three areas of immunotoxicity;
  • modes of action of selected immunotoxicants;
  • regulatory aspects of immunotoxicity;
  • innovative developments in immunotoxicity testing;
  • alternative test methods for identifying immunotoxicity.

Coordinator: Dr. R.H.H. Pieters

Lecturers
J.W. Cohen-Tervaert, L. van de Corput
E. van Hoffen, H. van Loveren
A.H. Penninks, R. Pieters
R. de Weger

Please note that the course can be cancelled up to one month before its starting date, when the number of applications is below the minimum required. For general inquiries please contact the PET Office.

Laboratory Animal Science
Human Exposure Assessment