title: Developmental immunotoxicity (DIT): the why, when, and how of DIT testing.
abstract: Developmental immunotoxicity (DIT) has emerged as a serious health consideration given the increases in the prevalence of many immune-based childhood diseases and conditions, including allergic diseases and asthma, recurrent otitis media, pediatric celiac disease, and type 1 diabetes. As a result, the use of DIT testing to identify potential environmental risk factors contributing to these and other diseases has become a higher priority. This introductory chapter considers: (1) the basis for an increased and earlier use of DIT testing in safety evaluations and (2) the general features of DIT testing strategies designed to reduce health risks.
authors.forename: Rodney R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Dietert
authors.forename: Jamie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Dewitt
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002648:Child; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D047109:Fetal Development / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000276:immunology*; D007107:Immune System / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000276:immunology; D007154:Immune System Diseases / Q000276:immunology*; D007159:Immunologic Tests / Q000379:methods*; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000276:immunology; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects / Q000276:immunology; D012307:Risk Factors