The Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing is an academic center affiliated with the Division of Toxicological Sciences in the Department of Environmental Health Sciences of the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health.
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Richard S. Kalish, MD, PhD
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Researchers only poorly understand the mechanics of contact dermatitis in humans. So Kalish proposes an in vitro model of the problem, with skin consisting of differentiated keratinocytes grown on an artificial fibroblast and collagen matrix. He will examine effects of cytokines on the culture, with and without added immune system effector cells. Then, adding urushiol, the contact antigen in poison ivy, Kalish hopes to create an in vitro allergic reaction. Histologic confirmation of this would aid development of in vitro assays for contact allergens.