The report focuses on the human immune system and its response to environmental toxicants. The authoring committee provides direction for continuing development of biologic markers, with strategies for applying markers to immunotoxicity in humans and recommended outlines for clinical and field studies. The book provides a technical overview of these and other key issues: (1) How the monitoring of biologic markers such as lymphocytes in the blood (called T cells) can be used to determine the effects of potentially harmful environmental toxicants; (2) Types of disease resulting from immune suppression; (3) Hypersensitivity, autoimmunity, and immunodeficiency; (4) Characteristics of the immune system. The use of immunotoxicity markers will help scientists and those responsible for public health better respond to reduce human chemical exposure.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 149-181) and index. Microfiche.

Introduction -- The structure and function of the immune system and mechanisms of immunotoxicity -- Biologic markers for immune-mediated disease -- Autoimmune diseases -- The capacity of toxic agents to compromise the immune system (biologic markers of immunosuppression) -- Animal models for use in detecting immunotoxic potential and determining mechanisms of action -- Human immune-system biologic markers of immunotoxicity -- Application of biologic markers of immunotoxicity in epidemiology -- Use of biologic markers in controversial areas of environmental health -- Summary and recommendations.