Optimization and validation of a method to identify skin sensitization hazards using IL-1 α and IL-6 secretion from HaCaT

Although many methods to assess sensitization have been investigated to replace animal testing, it is still imperative to develop an in vitro method to minimize the use of animals and to classify sensitizers. Recently, an assay using the human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) was developed as an alternative method. Our aim was to optimize this method and validate its ability to assess sensitization. The highest dose that resulted in 75% cell viability was determined for each test substance. Then, serial dilutions of the dose were applied to measure the levels of secreted proinflammatory cytokines. To optimize the assay, statistical analyses were performed to determine whether all of the doses tested were necessary to maintain the predictive values. Exclusion of the 0.5× dose did not change the predictive values drastically. To validate the optimized method, 22 substances were evaluated without the 0.5× dose, resulting in overall predictive values of 83.3% for sensitivity, 80.0% for specificity, and 81.8% for accuracy, which are comparable to results from other validated assays. These results suggest that statistical analysis can assist in development of alternative in vitro methods and that the optimized HaCaT cell assay is reproducible. •In vitro sensitization method using HaCaT cell has been optimized and evaluated by three independent laboratories.•Proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1α and IL-6) secretion from HaCaT cell can classify sensitizers and non-sensitizers.•Predictive values of 83.3% for sensitivity, 80.0% for specificity, and 81.8% for accuracy are achieved.•The optimized HaCaT cell assay is reproducible as an alternative skin sensitizer assessment.•Statistical optimization can aid in the development of a better in vitro alternative to animal testing.