Validation and subsequent development of the DEREK skin sensitization rulebase by analysis of the BgVV list of contact allergens

The DEREK knowledge-based computer system contains a subset of approximatel y 50 rules describing chemical substructures (toxophores) responsible for s kin sensitization. This rulebase, based originally on Unilever historical i n-house guinea pig maximization test data, has been subject to extensive va lidation and is undergoing refinement as the next stage of its development. As part of an ongoing program of validation and testing, the predictive, a bility of the sensitization rule set has been assessed by processing the st ructures of the 84 chemical substances in the list of contact allergens iss ued by the BgVV (German Federal Institute for Health Protection of Consumer s). This list of chemicals is important because the biological data for eac h of the chemicals have been carefully scrutinized and peer reviewed, a key consideration in an area of toxicology in which much unreliable and potent ially misleading data have been published. The existing DEREK rulebase for skin sensitization identified toxophores for skin sensitization in the stru ctures of 71 out of the 84 chemicals (85%). The exercise highlighted areas of chemistry where further development of the rulebase was required, either by extension of the scope of existing rules or by generation of new rules where a sound mechanistic rationale for the biological activity could be es tablished. Chemicals likely to be acting as photoallergens were identified, and new rules for photoallergenicity have subsequently been written. At th e end of the exercise, the refined rulebase was able to identify toxophores for skin sensitization for 82 of the 84 chemicals in the BgVV list.