Role of Metabolic Activation by Cytochrome P450s in Chemical- induced Immunosuppression

It is generally accepted that the immune system is one of the major target organs for many toxic chemicals. In addition, many toxic chemicals require metabolic activation by cytochrome P450s for their toxicity. Although the immune cells possess a limited amount of drug metabolizing capacity, metabolic activation of certain toxicants in liver and immune organs may have a significant role in immunosuppression. In the present studies, the possible role of metabolic activation by cytochrome P450s in chemical-induced immunosuppression was reviewed, with a particular emphasis on the methodological techniques to detect immunotoxicants requiring metabolic activation in vivo and in vitro. (omitted)