ABSTRACT
The assessment of immunotoxicity in humans involves several epidemiologic and ethical challenges. Experimental designs are rarely feasible and investigators have to rely on the identification of exposed and unexposed populations to conduct their studies. These populations differ in regards to disease prevalence, access to medical treatment, and to genetic and environmental factors. Furthermore, the function of the immune system has to be investigated by strictly noninvasive methods that are not always easy to standardize. In this chapter, we discuss epidemiologic designs, factors to consider, and some useful biological and clinical endpoints relevant to human immunotoxicology. Whenever possible, we also provide examples of the methods discussed by referring the reader to published studies on the topic.
