Immunotoxicology

Immunotoxicology (sometimes abbreviated as ITOX) is the study of toxicity affecting the immune system. Immunotoxicology (sometimes abbreviated as ITOX) is the study of toxicity affecting the immune system. The toxin-induced immune dysfunction may take the form of immunosuppression, allergy, autoimmunity, increased susceptibility to cancer, or any number of inflammatory-based diseases or pathologies. Examples of agents that can cause allergy-type effects include heavy metals, acid anhydrides, penicillin, and propylthiouracil. Some agents that cause direct immune toxicity include dexamethasone, cyclosporin A, azathioprine, heavy metals, and air pollution. An agents causing indirect toxicity includes p,p'-DDE.