Isocyanate-modified protein

Isocyanate-modified protein refers to proteins that have been covalently modified by isocyanate functional groups (–N=C=O), a highly reactive chemical group found in various industrial compounds—especially those used to make polyurethanes[1][3][6]. Isocyanates react primarily with nucleophilic amino acid side chains (notably the N-terminus and lysine residues), forming stable carbamate or urea linkages with the protein[3][4][6]. This process happens upon exposure to isocyanate-containing chemicals in occupational settings and is a key toxicological mechanism, as these protein modifications can elicit immune responses, leading to sensitization (such as occupational asthma and hypersensitivity pneumonitis)[3][6]. Isocyanate-protein adducts are used as biomarkers for occupational exposure and are a focus of analytical and immunological studies, but they are not conventional therapeutic targets.

Other names

Isocyanate-protein adductProtein isocyanate conjugateIsocyanate-protein conjugateProtein-NCO adduct

no drug mechanism; mechanism is covalent conjugation of isocyanate to protein nucleophiles