title: Haptens, prohaptens and prehaptens, or electrophiles and proelectrophiles.
abstract: It is argued that the term 'hapten', and derived terms such as 'pro-hapten' and 'pre-hapten' are ambiguous and unnecessary. It is proposed that their use be abandoned. Instead, when considering the chemical basis of skin sensitization, it is preferable to classify compounds according to the chemical reaction mechanisms by which they can modify proteins.
authors.affiliation: Safety and Environmental Assurance Centre, Unilever Research, Sharnbrook, Bedford MK44 1LQ, UK.
authors.forename: Aynur O
authors.initials: AO
authors.lastname: Aptula
authors.forename: David W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Roberts
authors.forename: Camilla K
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Pease
mesh_terms: D000485:Allergens; D006241:Haptens / Q000737:chemistry / Q000145:classification*; D011485:Protein Binding; D009626:Terminology as Topic
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens; D006241:Haptens