The human T cell priming assay (hTCPA)

Abstract

The induction of allergic contact dermatitis by chemicals depends on their ability to activate a chemical-specific T cell response. This key event that concludes the skin sensitization process is monitored in an in vitro assay, the human T cell priming assay (hTCPA). Naive human T cells are incubated with autologous dendritic cells pulsed with the chemical of interest. After restimulation with the same chemical, the induction of an antigen-specific T cell response can be assessed by the detection of T cell proliferation, cytokine production or surface marker expression. The hTCPA still needs optimization but may nevertheless be a valuable in vitro assay within an integrated testing strategy aiming at replacement of animal testing for contact allergen identification.