Current predictive capability for immunomodulation is limited to identification of qualitative changes not quantitative changes. Certain synthetic chemicals can cause alterations of the developing immune system. Alterations in immunologic function whether occurring prenatally or embryologically or later in life can translate into altered host resistance and susceptibility to disease, including autoimmune disease. Disease patterns are thus likely to be affected by immune modulation induced by immunological toxicants. The lack of sensitive tests and the uncertainty about exposure have been impediments in many of these studies.
Exposure is well known for some wildlife studies.
Information on exposure is limited. Little is known about the effects of exposure to chemical mixtures. Most published studies use single agents when testing for the effects of environmental exposure. The specific components of environmental mixtures are rarely defined. The pharmacokinetics of many immunotoxic compounds in target organs is understood in experimental animals but not in humans and wildlife.