Keyhole limpet haemocyanin – a model antigen for human immunotoxicological studies

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...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:British journal of clinical pharmacology 2014-11, Vol.78 (5), p.1135-1142
Main Authors: Swaminathan, Ashwin, Lucas, Robyn M., Dear, Keith, McMichael, Anthony J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Antibody Formation - immunology
Antigens - immunology
clinical studies
Endpoint Determination
Hemocyanins - immunology
Humans
Immunity, Cellular
Immunization
immunotoxicology
keyhole limpet haemocyanin
KLH
Methods in Clinical Pharmacology
T-Lymphocytes - immunology
Toxicology - methods
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Summary: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.
ISSN:0306-5251
1365-2125
DOI:10.1111/bcp.12422