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Published on: February 28, 2019
Bifenthrin activates homotypic aggregation in human T-cell lines
Nataly Hoffman1, Van Tran, Anthony Daniyan
1Department of Biology, Adelphi University, One South Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530, USA.
Summary
Low-level exposure to bifenthrin pesticide may harm the immune system by activating T-cell function. This pesticide stimulates cell aggregation, potentially increasing the risk of inflammatory diseases like asthma.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
Background:
- Concerns exist regarding potential immune system harm from low-level bifenthrin exposure, a common household pyrethroid pesticide.
- This study investigated the effects of bifenthrin on human T-cell lines, specifically focusing on immune cell aggregation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if bifenthrin exposure, even at non-toxic levels, affects T-cell function.
- To investigate the mechanism by which bifenthrin might impact immune responses, particularly cell aggregation.
Main Methods:
- Human T-cell lines (H9, Jurkat) and a promonocyte cell line (U937) were exposed to varying bifenthrin concentrations.
- Cell viability was assessed, and non-toxic concentrations were used to study phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-mediated homotypic aggregation.
- Antibodies targeting ICAM and LFA-1 were employed to block and analyze aggregation pathways.
Main Results:
- Bifenthrin was found to be non-toxic at concentrations between 10(-4) M and 10(-13) M.
- While not inhibiting PHA-induced aggregation, bifenthrin (at 10(-4) M) stimulated homotypic aggregation in H9 and Jurkat cells.
- This bifenthrin-induced aggregation was blocked by antibodies to LFA-1 and ICAM, similar to PHA-induced aggregation.
Conclusions:
- Bifenthrin activates T-cell function through ICAM/LFA-1 mediated homotypic aggregation.
- Exposure to bifenthrin, even within acceptable limits, may elevate the risk and frequency of inflammatory conditions, including asthma.
