

We hypothesized that QAC exposure would exacerbate autoimmunity associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus). Hypersensitivity reactions and immune dysregulation have been reported with the use of quaternary ammonium compound disinfectants (QACs). 8Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas, Dallas, TX, United States.7Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States.6Department of Anatomical Sciences, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine-Virginia Campus, Blacksburg, VA, United States.5Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.4Translational Biology, Medicine and Health Graduate Program, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA, United States.3Department of Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States.

2School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States.

