Beryllium coordination chemistry and its implications on the understanding of metal induced immune responses.

The inhalation of beryllium and its compounds can cause the development of chronic beryllium disease in susceptible individuals. This is caused by a distinct autoimmune process. Here, beryllium coordination compounds with biomimetic ligands are discussed, which are used to understand the coordination of Be2+ in the body and its effect on biomolecules. The advances in the development of precursors for the directed synthesis of these coordination complexes are presented as well as the potential use of non-aqueous solvents for these investigations.