The T-cell-dependent antibody response assay in nonclinical studies of pharmaceuticals and chemicals: Study design, data analysis, interpretation

The T-cell-dependent antibody response (TDAR) assay is a measure of immune function that is dependent upon the effectiveness of multiple immune processes, including antigen uptake and presentation, T cell help, B cell activation, and antibody production. It is used for risk and safety assessments, in conjunction with other toxicologic assessments, by the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, and research and regulatory agencies. It is also employed to evaluate investigational drug efficacy in animal pharmacology studies, provide evidence of biological impact in clinical trials, and evaluate immune function in patients with primary or secondary immunodeficiency diseases. Various immunization schemes, analytical methods, approaches to data analysis, and data interpretations are in use. This manuscript summarizes some recommended practices for the conduct and interpretation of the assay in animal studies.