Studies on antigens useful for detection of IgE antibodies in isocyanate-sensitized workers.

Toluene diisocyanate was conjugated by two different methods to human serum albumin. These conjugates were used as antigens in the radio-allergo-sorbent-test (RAST) for detection of IgE antibodies in sera of isocyanate-sensitized persons. Chemical analyses have shown that conjugates containing 18-28 mol of isocyanate residues per mol protein were more potent antigens than those containing greater amounts of isocyanate residues. These results were confirmed by RAST inhibition experiments. The importance of optimization of the immunoradiometric methods for study of immunologic sensitization to isocyanates is discussed.