Immunotoxicology in 1987: problems and challenges.

After the definition of immunotoxicology and of the main current domains of this recently recognized, multifaceted discipline, this article examines the health significance of xenobiotically induced immune abnormalities and considers the possible mechanisms through which damage to the immune system can occur. In the second part of this review, the current status of knowledge and the problems still open with regard to preclinical testing for nonallergic immunotoxicities are examined, and current views on the general strategy for such testing discussed.