<i>In vitro</i> primary sensitization of hapten‐specific T cells by cultured human epidermal Langerhans cells—a screening predictive assay for contact sensitizers

Abstract

The present in vitro model allows discrimination between two groups of substances: strong contact sensitizers (TNP, FITC, BB) on the one hand and weak sensitizers (coumarin, citronellal and hydroxycitronellal) and irritants (SDS) on the other hand. It could be used as a screening in vitro assay to eliminate strong contact allergens before further predictive animal tests have to be performed.