Keyhole limpet haemocyanin – a model antigen for human immunotoxicological studies
Date
2014-11
Authors
Swaminathan, Ashwin
Dear, Keith
McMichael, Anthony J.
Lucas, Robyn
Journal Title
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Volume Title
Publisher
Wiley
Abstract
Immunization with a T-cell dependent antigen has been promoted as a reliable and sensitive tool for assessing the influence of putative immunotoxic exposures or agents on immune function. Keyhole limpet haemocyanin (KLH) is a very large, copper-containing protein molecule derived from the haemolymph of the inedible mollusc, Megathura crenulata. KLH is a highly immunogenic T-cell dependent antigen that is used increasingly in immunotoxicological studies, particularly in those involving animals. This report systematically reviews the human clinical studies that have used trans-cutaneous KLH immunization for assessment of the influence of various physiological and disease states and exposures on immune function over the last 20 years (1994–2013). These studies varied in their immunization protocols, formulation of KLH, dose, site and route of administration and immunoassay platforms developed to assess KLH-specific responses. KLH immunization has been well tolerated with only mild to moderate adverse effects reported. Though very promising as a model antigen candidate in immunotoxicology research, more work on standardizing immunization and immunoassay protocols is required.
Description
Keywords
clinical studies, immunization, immunotoxicology, keyhole limpet haemocyanin, KLH
Citation
Collections
Source
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 78.5 (2014): 1135–1142
Type
Journal article
Book Title
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Access Statement
Open Access