Dinitrochlorobenzene

Dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) is a synthetic organic compound and small molecule with the chemical formula C6H3ClN2O4. It is primarily used as a topical sensitizing agent in medical diagnostics and immunological research. Medically, DNCB has been applied to evaluate delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions as a measure of cellular immunity and to assess T cell activity in immunocompromised patients. It has also been used experimentally for the treatment of conditions such as alopecia areata (to stimulate hair regrowth), warts, some forms of cancer, HIV infection, and leprosy[3][5][8]. The mechanism of action involves covalent binding to skin proteins forming immunogenic conjugates that trigger an immune response—specifically type IV hypersensitivity—by activating antigen-presenting cells and T cells[6]. This results in local inflammation or dermatitis at the site of application. In research settings, it is also used as a substrate for glutathione S-transferase activity assays[8].

Other names

2,4-dinitrochlorobenzeneDNCB1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene