Gene expression profiles in auricle skin as a possible additional endpoint for determination of sensitizers: a multi-endpoint evaluation of the local lymph node assay.

•Avoiding false-positives has been a challenge for the LLNA.•We investigated several endpoints in the ex vivo LLNA using skin sensitizers and non-sensitizing irritants.•Gene expression profiles in auricle skin suggested T cell recruitment, an event in the elicitation phase.•The gene expression of CXCL1 and/or CXCL2 could support discrimination of sensitizers in LLNA.