Course: Immunotoxicology

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 consequensses of immunotoxicity, mechanisms of immunotoxicity, and testing for immunotoxicity.

Content of the course

The course consists of lectures, and tutorials in which case studies of various examples of immunotoxicity will be deast 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.

Tutors

J.W. Cohen-Tervaert L. van de Corput

E. van Hoffen H. van Loveren

A.H. Penninks R. Pieters

R. de Weger

Duration: 4 days

ECTS credits: 1.5

Period: 01/06 - 04/06, 2010

Fee: € 1,000.- (PhD students may apply for the reduced rate of € 250.=)

Location: IRAS

Utrecht University

Utrecht, The Netherlands