Secretion of the Phosphorylated Form of S100A9 from Neutrophils Is Essential for the Proinflammatory Functions of Extracellular S100A8/A9.

S100A8 and S100A9 are members of the S100 family of cytoplasmic EF-hand Ca2+-binding proteins and are abundantly expressed in the cytosol of neutrophils. In addition to their intracellular roles, S100A8/A9 can be secreted in the extracellular environment and are considered as alarmins able to amplify the inflammatory response. The intracellular activity of S100A8/A9 was shown to be regulated by S100A9 phosphorylation, but the importance of this phosphorylation on the extracellular activity of S100A8/A9 has not yet been extensively studied. Our work focuses on the impact of the phosphorylation state of secreted S100A9 on the proinflammatory function of neutrophils. In a first step, we characterized the secretion of S100A8/A9 in different stimulatory conditions and investigated the phosphorylation state of secreted S100A9. Our results on neutrophil-like differentiated HL-60 (dHL-60) cells and purified human neutrophils showed a time-dependent secretion of S100A8/A9 when induced by phorbol 12-myristoyl 13-acetate and this secreted S100A9 was found in a phosphorylated form. Second, we evaluated the impact of this phosphorylation on proinflammatory cytokine expression and secretion in dHL-60 cells. Time course experiments with purified unphosphorylated or phosphorylated S100A8/A9 were performed and the expression and secretion levels of interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1ß, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, and CXCL8 were measured by real-time PCR and cytometry bead array, respectively. Our results demonstrate that only the phosphorylated form of the complex induces proinflammatory cytokine expression and secretion. For the first time, we provide evidence that S100A8/PhosphoS100A9 is inducing cytokine secretion through toll-like receptor 4 signaling.

Regulation of Neutrophil Degranulation and Cytokine Secretion: A Novel Model Approach Based on Linear Fitting.

Neutrophils participate in the maintenance of host integrity by releasing various cytotoxic proteins during degranulation. Due to recent advances, a major role has been attributed to neutrophil-derived cytokine secretion in the initiation, exacerbation, and resolution of inflammatory responses. Because the release of neutrophil-derived products orchestrates the action of other immune cells at the infection site and, thus, can contribute to the development of chronic inflammatory diseases, we aimed to investigate in more detail the spatiotemporal regulation of neutrophil-mediated release mechanisms of proinflammatory mediators. Purified human neutrophils were stimulated for different time points with lipopolysaccharide. Cells and supernatants were analyzed by flow cytometry techniques and used to establish secretion profiles of granules and cytokines. To analyze the link between cytokine release and degranulation time series, we propose an original strategy based on linear fitting, which may be used as a guideline, to (i) define the relationship of granule proteins and cytokines secreted to the inflammatory site and (ii) investigate the spatial regulation of neutrophil cytokine release. The model approach presented here aims to predict the correlation between neutrophil-derived cytokine secretion and degranulation and may easily be extrapolated to investigate the relationship between other types of time series of functional processes.

An essential role of syntaxin 3 protein for granule exocytosis and secretion of IL-1α, IL-1ß, IL-12b, and CCL4 from differentiated HL-60 cells.

Besides their roles in the killing of pathogens, neutrophils have the capacity to package a variety of cytokines into cytoplasmic granules for subsequent release upon inflammatory conditions. Because the rapid secretion of cytokines orchestrates the action of other immune cells at the infection site and thus, can contribute to the development and chronicity of inflammatory diseases, we aimed to determine the intracellular SNARE machinery responsible for the regulation of cytokine secretion and degranulation. From a constructed gene-expression network, we first selected relevant cytokines for functional validation by the CBA approach. We established a cytokine-secretion profile for human neutrophils and dHL-60 cells, underlining their similar ability to secrete a broad variety of cytokines within proinflammatory conditions mimicked by LPS stimulation. Secondly, after screening of SNARE genes by microarray experiments, we selected STX3 for further functional studies. With the use of a siRNA strategy, we show that STX3 is clearly required for the maximal release of IL-1α, IL-1ß, IL-12b, and CCL4 without alteration of other cytokine secretion in dHL-60 cells. In addition, we demonstrate that STX3 is involved in MMP-9 exocytosis from gelatinase granules, where STX3 is partly localized. Our results suggest that the secretion of IL-1α, IL-1ß, IL-12b, and CCL4 occurs during gelatinase degranulation, a process controlled by STX3. In summary, these findings provide first evidence that STX3 has an essential role in trafficking pathways of cytokines in neutrophil granulocytes.

The recruitment of p47(phox) and Rac2G12V at the phagosome is transient and phosphatidylserine dependent.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION: During phagocytosis, neutrophils internalise pathogens in a phagosome and produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) by the NADPH oxidase to kill the pathogen. The cytosolic NADPH oxidase subunits p40(phox), p47(phox), p67(phox) and Rac2 translocate to the phagosomal membrane to participate in enzyme activation. The kinetics of this recruitment and the underlying signalling pathways are only partially understood. Anionic phospholipids, phosphatidylserine (PS) and phosphoinositides (PPI) provide an important attachment site for numerous proteins, including several oxidase subunits. RESULTS: We investigated the kinetics of p47(phox) and Rac2 phagosomal membrane recruitment. Both subunits are known to interact with anionic phospholipids; we therefore addressed the role of PS in this recruitment. Phagosomal accumulation of p47(phox) and Rac2 tagged with fluorescent proteins was analysed by videomicroscopy. We used the C2 domain of lactadherin (lactC2) that interacts strongly and specifically with PS to monitor intracellular PS localisation and to decrease PS accessibility. During phagocytosis of opsonised zymosan, p47(phox) and constitutively active Rac2G12V briefly translocated to the phagosomal membrane, whereas ROS production continued for a longer period. However, in the presence of lactC2, Rac2G12V recruitment was inhibited and the kinetics of p47(phox) recruitment and detachment were delayed. A reduced phagosomal ROS production was also observed during the first 7 min following the phagosome closure. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that p47(phox) and Rac2 accumulate only transiently at the phagosome at the onset of NADPH activity and detach from the phagosome before the end of ROS production. Furthermore, lactC2, by masking PS, interfered with the phagosomal recruitment of p47(phox) and Rac2 and disturbed NADPH oxidase activity. Thus, PS appears as a modulator of NADPH oxidase activation.

Gravity changes during animal development affect IgM heavy-chain transcription and probably lymphopoiesis.

Our previous research demonstrated that spaceflight conditions affect antibody production in response to an antigenic stimulation in adult amphibians. Here, we investigated whether antibody synthesis is affected when animal development occurs onboard a space station. To answer this question, embryos of the Iberian ribbed newt, Pleurodeles waltl, were sent to the International Space Station (ISS) before the initiation of immunoglobulin heavy-chain expression. Thus, antibody synthesis began in space. On landing, we determined the effects of spaceflight on P. waltl development and IgM heavy-chain transcription. Results were compared with those obtained using embryos that developed on Earth. We find that IgM heavy-chain transcription is doubled at landing and that spaceflight does not affect P. waltl development and does not induce inflammation. We also recreated the environmental modifications encountered by the embryos during their development onboard the ISS. This strategy allowed us to demonstrate that gravity change is the factor responsible for antibody heavy-chain transcription modifications that are associated with NF-κB mRNA level variations. Taken together, and given that the larvae were not immunized, these data suggest a modification of lymphopoiesis when gravity changes occur during ontogeny.

New insights into the regulation of neutrophil NADPH oxidase activity in the phagosome: a focus on the role of lipid and Ca(2+) signaling.

SIGNIFICANCE: Reactive oxygen species, produced by the phagosomal NADPH oxidase of neutrophils, play a significant physiological role during normal defense. Their role is not only to kill invading pathogens, but also to act as modulators of global physiological functions of phagosomes. Given the importance of NADPH oxidase in the immune system, its activity has to be decisively controlled by distinctive mechanisms to ensure appropriate regulation at the phagosome. RECENT ADVANCES: Here, we describe the signal transduction pathways that regulate phagosomal NADPH oxidase in neutrophils, with an emphasis on the role of lipid metabolism and intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization. CRITICAL ISSUES: The potential involvement of Ca(2+)-binding S100A8 and S100A9 proteins, known to interact with the plasma membrane NADPH oxidase, is also considered. FUTURE DIRECTIONS: Recent technical progress in advanced live imaging microscopy will permit to focus more accurately on phagosomal rather than plasma membrane NADPH oxidase regulation during neutrophil phagocytosis.

Stress response and humoral immune system alterations related to chronic hypergravity in mice.

Spaceflights are known to induce stress and immune dysregulation. Centrifugation, as hindlimb unloading, is a good ground based-model to simulate altered gravity which occurs during space missions. The aim of this study was to investigate the consequences of a long-term exposure to different levels of hypergravity on the stress response and the humoral immunity in a mouse model. For this purpose, adult C57Bl/6J male mice were subjected for 21 days either to control conditions or to 2G or 3G acceleration gravity forces. Corticosterone level and anxiety behavior revealed a stress response which was associated with a decrease of body weight, after 21-day of centrifugation at 3G but not at 2G. Spleen lymphocyte lipopolysaccharide (LPS) responsiveness was diminished by 40% in the 2G group only, whereas a decrease was noted when cells were stimulated with concanavalin A for both 2G and 3G groups (about 25% and 20%, respectively) compared to controls. Pro-inflammatory chemokines (MCP-1 and IP-10) and Th1 cytokines (IFNγ and IL2) were slightly decreased in the 2G group and strongly decreased in the 3G mouse group. Regarding Th2 cytokines (IL4, IL5) no further significant modification was observed, whereas the immunosuppressive cytokine IL10 was slightly increased in the 3G mice. Finally, serum IgG concentration was twice higher whereas IgA concentration was slightly increased (about 30%) and IgM were unchanged in 2G mice compared to controls. No difference was observed in the 3G group with these isotypes. Consequently, functional immune dysregulations and stress responses were dependent of the gravity level.

Sphingosine kinases regulate NOX2 activity via p38 MAPK-dependent translocation of S100A8/A9.

Neutrophils play a fundamental role in host defense by neutralizing pathogens through the generation of ROS by NOX2. In nonexcitable cells, Ca(2+) influx is essentially mediated via SOCE, a complex mechanism in which depletion of intracellular Ca(2+) stores from the ER results in Ca(2+) entry through Ca(2+) SOCs at the plasma membrane. In this regard, it is well established that extracellular Ca(2+) entry participates to NOX2 activation. S1P, produced by SphKs, has been involved in Ca(2+) homeostasis and thus, could intervene in NOX2 regulation. The aim of this study was to characterize the importance of SphKs in NOX2 activation and the signaling cascade involved in this mechanism. Treatment of neutrophil-like dHL-60 cells by DHS, a SphK inhibitor, and SphK siRNA inhibited fMLF-induced NOX2 activity. Sequential activation of cells by thapsigargin and the phorbol ester PMA revealed that SphK-regulated NOX2 activity relies on intracellular Ca(2+) store depletion. Confocal microscopy and immunoblot analysis showed that stimulation by thapsigargin and PMA mediated S100A8/A9 recruitment to the plasma membrane and p38 MAPK activation. S100A8/A9 translocation decreased when SphK activity was blocked. This result was confirmed in purified human neutrophils, which were physiologically stimulated by fMLF. In addition, p38 MAPK was found to be regulated by SphKs. These results define a pathway leading to NOX2 activation, in which p38 MAPK-mediated S100A8/A9 translocation is regulated by Ca(2+) store depletion-dependent SphK activation.

An essential role of STIM1, Orai1, and S100A8-A9 proteins for Ca2+ signaling and FcγR-mediated phagosomal oxidative activity.

Phagocytosis is a process of innate immunity that allows for the enclosure of pathogens within the phagosome and their subsequent destruction through the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Although these processes have been associated with increases of intracellular Ca(2+) concentrations, the mechanisms by which Ca(2+) could regulate the different phases of phagocytosis remain unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the Ca(2+) signaling pathways involved in the regulation of FcγRs-induced phagocytosis. Our work focuses on IgG-opsonized zymosan internalization and phagosomal ROS production in DMSO-differentiated HL-60 cells and neutrophils. We found that chelation of intracellular Ca(2+) by BAPTA or emptying of the intracellular Ca(2+) store by thapsigargin reduced the efficiency of zymosan internalization. Using an small interfering RNA strategy, our data establish that the observed Ca(2+) release occurs through two isoforms of inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptors, ITPR1 and ITPR3. In addition, we provide evidence that phagosomal ROS production is dependent on extracellular Ca(2+) entry. We demonstrate that the observed Ca(2+) influx is supported by ORAI calcium release-activated calcium modulator 1 (Orai1) and stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1). This result suggests that extracellular Ca(2+) entry, which is required for ROS production, is mediated by a store-operated Ca(2+) mechanism. Finally, our data identify the complex formed by S100A8 and S100A9 (S100 calcium-binding protein A8 and A9 complex), two Ca(2+)-binding proteins, as the site of interplay between extracellular Ca(2+) entry and intraphagosomal ROS production. Thus, we demonstrate that FcγR-mediated phagocytosis requires intracellular Ca(2+) store depletion for the internalization phase. Then phagosomal ROS production requires extracellular Ca(2+) entry mediated by Orai1/STIM1 and relayed by S100A8-A9 as Ca(2+) sensor.

iPLA2, a novel determinant in Ca2+- and phosphorylation-dependent S100A8/A9 regulated NOX2 activity.

The neutrophil NADPH oxidase (NOX2) is a key enzyme responsible for host defense against invading pathogens, via the production of reactive oxygen species. Dysfunction of NOX2 can contribute to inflammatory processes, which could lead to the development of diseases such as atherosclerosis. In this paper, we characterize a pathway leading to NOX2 activation in which iPLA(2)-regulated p38 MAPK activity is a key regulator of S100A8/A9 translocation via S100A9 phosphorylation. Studies in cell-free or recombinant systems involved two Ca2+-binding proteins of the S100 family, namely S100A8 and S100A9, in NOX2 activation dependent on intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+](i)) elevation. Using differentiated HL-60 cells as a model of neutrophils, we provide evidence that [Ca2+](i)-regulated S100A8/A9 translocation is mediated by an increase in [Ca2+](i) through intracellular Ca2+ store depletion. Moreover, we confirm that p38 MAPK induces S100A9 phosphorylation, a mandatory precondition for S100 translocation. Based on a pharmacological approach and an siRNA strategy, we identify iPLA(2) as a new molecular player aiding S100 translocation and NOX2 activity. Inhibition of p38 MAPK activity and S100A9 phosphorylation by bromoenol lactone, a selective inhibitor of iPLA(2), indicated that p38 MAPK-mediated S100A9 phosphorylation is dependent on iPLA(2). In conclusion, we have characterized a pathway leading to NOX2 activation in which iPLA(2)-regulated p38 MAPK activity is a key regulator of S100A8/A9 translocation via S100A9 phosphorylation.

Could spaceflight-associated immune system weakening preclude the expansion of human presence beyond Earth's orbit?

This year, we celebrate the 40th birthday of the first landing of humans on the moon. By 2020, astronauts should return to the lunar surface and establish an outpost there that will provide a technical basis for future manned missions to Mars. This paper summarizes major constraints associated with a trip to Mars, presents immunological hazards associated with this type of mission, and shows that our current understanding of the immunosuppressive effects of spaceflight is limited. Weakening of the immune system associated with spaceflight is therefore an area that should be considered more thoroughly before we undertake prolonged space voyages.

OAG induces an additional PKC-, PI3K-, and Rac2-mediated signaling pathway up-regulating NOX2 activity, independently of Ca2+ entry.

The requirement of calcium ion (Ca(2)(+)) entry for neutrophil NADPH oxidase (NOX2) regulation is clearly established. However, its role in the signaling pathway leading to NOX2 activation is still elusive. 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol (OAG) causes an increase in NOX2 activity and has been shown to directly modulate Ca(2)(+) channels unrelated to the well-known store-operated Ca(2)(+) entry (SOCE) mechanism. In our study, we have investigated the potential role of OAG in Ca(2)(+) influx-mediated NOX2 activity in neutrophil-like-differentiated HL-60 cells to further characterize second signals involved in the regulation of NOX2. OAG inhibited fMLF- and thapsigargin-induced Ca(2)(+) entry, a phenomenon that was not restored by protein kinase C (PKC) or PI3K blockade. Addition of OAG resulted in a rapid decrease of maximal intracellular Ca(2)(+) concentration induced by thapsigargin. Both results suggest that OAG has an inhibitory effect, independent of PI3K and PKC, on the regulation of SOCE. In contrast to SOCE inhibition, OAG-induced NOX2 activation was mediated by PKC and PI3K. Our data establish that both kinases exert their effects through the regulation of Rac2 activity. In addition, OAG potentiated the effect of fMLF on the activation of NOX2 and led to a discernible activity of NOX2 upon thapsigargin stimulation. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that an additional PKC- and/or PI3K-dependent signal may act in synergy with Ca(2)(+) influx to trigger NOX2 activation.

Spaceflight-associated changes in immunoglobulin VH gene expression in the amphibian Pleurodeles waltl.

Understanding why the immune system is depressed during spaceflight is of obvious importance for future human deep-space missions, such as the foreseen missions to Mars. However, little is known about the effects of these flights on humoral immunity. We previously immunized adult Pleurodeles waltl (urodele amphibian) onboard the Mir space station and showed that heavy-chain variable (VH) domains of specific IgM antibodies are encoded by genes belonging to the VHII and VHVI families. We have now determined how these animals use their individual VHII and VHVI genes by screening IgM heavy-chain cDNA libraries and by quantifying IgM heavy-chain transcripts encoded by these genes. Results were compared with those obtained using control animals immunized on Earth under the same conditions as onboard Mir. Our experiments revealed an increase in the expression of IgM heavy-chain mRNAs encoded by the VHII and VHVI.C genes and a strong decrease in the expression of IgM heavy-chain mRNAs encoded by the VHVI.A and VHVI.B genes in spaceflight animals. Consequently, different heavy-chain mRNAs are expressed by spaceflight animals, demonstrating that this environment affects the humoral response. These observations may be due to a change in B-cell selection under spaceflight conditions.

Co-cultures of human coronary smooth muscle cells and dimethyl sulfoxide-differentiated HL60 cells upregulate ProMMP9 activity and promote mobility-modulation by reactive oxygen species.

Vascular cells and leukocytes, involved in the development of atherosclerosis, produce cytokines and/or reactive oxygen species (ROS) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) implicated in cell mobility. We investigated by co-culture experiments the effects of human coronary smooth muscle cells (HCSMC) on MMPs characteristics and mobility of neutrophil-like dimethyl sulfoxide-differentiated HL60 cells (not equal HL60). The effects of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase were also analyzed. All the studied MMP2 characteristics remained unchanged. HCSMC stimulated MMP9 protein level, activity and mobility of not equal HL60 cells and expressed and secreted a variety of cytokines implicated in atherosclerosis. SOD and catalase increased MMP9 expression, protein level and activity of not equal HL60, but migration of not equal HL60 cells was only decreased by catalase, demonstrating that ROS are more efficient in modulating MMP9 activity of not equal HL60 than their mobility. Finally, HCSMC being able to stimulate not equal HL60, their co-cultures may represent an in vitro approach to study cellular interactions occurring in vivo during atherosclerosis.

Regulation of superoxide production in neutrophils: role of calcium influx.

Upon stimulation, activation of NADPH oxidase complexes in neutrophils produces a burst of superoxide anions contributing to oxidative stress and the development of inflammatory process. Store-operated calcium entry (SOCE), whereby the depletion of intracellular stores induces extracellular calcium influx, is known to be a crucial element of NADPH oxidase regulation. However, the mechanistic basis mediating SOCE is still only partially understood, as is the signal-coupling pathway leading to modulation of store-operated channels. This review emphasizes the role of calcium influx in the control of the NADPH oxidase and summarizes the current knowledge of pathways mediating this extracellular calcium entry in neutrophils. Such investigations into the cross-talk between NADPH oxidase and calcium might allow the identification of novel pharmacological targets with clinical use, particularly in inflammatory diseases.

Rosuvastatin treatment protects against nitrate-induced oxidative stress in eNOS knockout mice: implication of the NAD(P)H oxidase pathway.

Nitrate tolerance is associated with an enhanced superoxide anion (O(2)(-)) production and may be attenuated by statins as they interact with the two main endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) and NAD(P)H oxidase pathways involved in this oxidative stress. Groups of wild-type (wt, C57Bl/6J) and eNOS knock-out mice (eNOS(-/-)) received rosuvastatin (20 mg kg(-1) day(-1) p.o.) for 5 weeks and a cotreatment with the statin plus nitroglycerin (NTG; 30 mg kg(-1) day(-1), subcutaneous injections b.i.d.) for the last 4 days. Another group received only NTG (30 mg kg(-1) d(-1), b.i.d. for 4 days) and finally control mice from both strains received no treatment. Rings of thoracic aortas from these groups were studied in organ baths. Relaxations to NTG (0.1 nM-0.1 mM) were determined on thromboxane analogue (U44619)-precontracted rings and O(2)(-) production (RLU 5 s(-1) mg(-1) of total protein content) was assessed in aorta homogenates with the lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence technique. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis was performed on aortas from both mice strains. In vivo NTG treatment induced a significant rightward shift of the concentration-effect curve to NTG compared to control group. There was, however, no cross-tolerance with non-nitrate sources of NO (unaltered response to acetylcholine in wt group). The rosuvastatin + NTG cotreatment was able to protect against the development of nitrate tolerance in both mice strains and L-mevalonate abolished this protective effect of rosuvastatin. In vivo treatment with apocynin, a purported NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitor, also produced a similar protection to that observed with rosuvastatin in both strains. Superoxide anion formation was increased after NTG treatment in both mice strains and the rosuvastatin + NTG cotreatment was able to reduce that production. Moreover, rosuvastatin treatment abolished the increase in gp91phox mRNA (an endothelial membrane NAD(P)H oxidase subunit) expression induced by in vivo exposure to NTG. These findings suggest that long-term rosuvastatin treatment protects against nitrate tolerance by counteracting NTG-induced increase in O(2)(-) production, probably via a direct interaction with the NAD(P)H oxidase pathway.

Oxidative stress activates MMP-2 in cultured human coronary smooth muscle cells.

Oxidative stress is a cardinal feature of the inflammatory process and is involved in various pathologies including atherosclerosis. One of the important mechanisms in which oxidative stress may play a role is activation of matrix metalloproteinases such as MMP-2, which are involved in plaque destabilization. We investigated the mechanisms by which oxidative stress induces MMP-2 activation in cultured human coronary artery smooth muscle cells. Using zymography and Western blot analysis, we showed that oxidized low-density lipoproteins activate MMP-2 through up-regulation of the expression and activation of a membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP). A second mechanism of MMP-2 activation involves oxidative radicals generated by the xanthine/xanthine oxidase complex (X/Xo). Research on these two mechanisms of MMP activation could lead to the elaboration of new vascular therapies for the treatment of atheroma based on interruption of a specific oxidative stress pathway.

The Use of In Vitro Systems for Evaluating Immunotoxicity: The Report and Recommendations of an ECVAM Workshop.

This is the report of a workshop organised by the European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM). ECVAM's main goal, as defined in 1993 by its Scientific Advisory Committee, is to promote the scientific and regulatory acceptance of alternative methods that are of importance to the biosciences and which replace, reduce or refine the use of laboratory animals. One of the first priorities set by ECVAM was the implementation of procedures that would enable it to become well informed about the state-of-the-art of non-animal test development and validation, and the potential for the possible incorporation of alternative tests into regulatory procedures. It was decided that this would be best achieved by the organization of ECVAM workshops on specific topics, at which small groups of invited experts would review the current status of various types of in vitro tests and their potential uses, and make recommendations about the best ways forward (Anonymous, 1994). The workshop on "The use of in vitro systems for evaluating Immunotoxicity" was held at ECVAM (Ispra), Italy, on 24th-26th November 2003. The participants represented academia, national organizations, international regulatory bodies and industry. The aim of the workshop was to review the state-of-the-art in the field of in vitro immunotoxicology, and to develop strategies towards the replacement of in vivo testing. At the end of this report are listed the recommendations that should be considered for prevalidation and validation of relevant and reliable procedures, that could replace the use of animals in chemical and cosmetics toxicity testing.