Cell-based assays for prediction of immunotoxicity
- Reference number
- NPa17-0011
- Start and end dates
- 170101-171231
- Amount granted
- 75 000 SEK
- Administrative organization
- Research area
- Life Science Technology
Summary
I hereby apply for the utilization grant for activities related to the innovation GARDpotency, which has been developed within the project IB13-0118, funded by SSF and entitled “Prediction of irritation and sensitizing potency of chemicals in skin by the novel alternative cell-based assay GARD – Genomic Allergen Rapid detection”. During this period, I have managed the project carried out in my research group at Department of Immunotechnology, Lund University, and been actively involved in the utilization process for the innovation GARDpotency. This novel assay is designed to predict the sensitizing strengths, i.e. the potency, of chemicals produced by e.g. chemical, cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food industries. We were able to identify a biomarker signature of 52 genes, using advanced bioinformatics and random-forest modeling, for prediction of three potency classes, in contrast to the previously developed binary GARD assay for prediction of sensitizing capacity. Utilization activities include writing and filing a patent application “Skin sensitizer potency signature”, and numerous meetings with regulatory authorities, potential customers and industrial collaboration partners, such as Cosmetics Europe, to discuss their need and design the assay so that it best suits the purpose. The current lack of potency tests, the mechanistic information and the high accuracy generated, ensures a unique position for the test on the market.