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In vitro effect of T-2 mycotoxin on the immune response of mice
1Veterinary Toxicology Research Unit, USDA, College Station, TX 77841.
Abstract:
The in vitro biologic effects of T-2 mycotoxin on the immune response of mice was undertaken. Twenty nanograms of toxin abrogated the immune response to the T-dependent antigen sheep RBC, whereas a partial response was observed when 2 ng was used. Analysis of cell culture viabilities indicated that cell death occurred with toxin doses that coincided with the diminished immune responses. A similar decreased response was observed against the T-independent antigen, TNP-lipopolysaccharide, indicating toxic effects on both B and T lymphocyte populations. Delay of toxin administration as much as 116 hours of the 120-hour incubation period still resulted in a substantially diminished immune response, indicating the toxin acts on both the afferent and efferent immune systems. Equal effects were observed for mice of the b, d, and k haplotype, indicating no apparent strain variability in sensitivity to T-2 mycotoxin effects. These results indicated that T-2 mycotoxin can modulate the immune response, and that this modulation is attributable to direct toxic effects on the cells of the immune system.
Insights
T-2 mycotoxin significantly impairs the immune response in mice by directly harming B and T lymphocytes. Even delayed exposure demonstrates broad toxic effects on both afferent and efferent immune systems.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Toxicology
- Mycotoxicology
Background:
- Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungi.
- T-2 mycotoxin is a significant trichothecene mycotoxin with known toxicity.
- Understanding the immunomodulatory effects of T-2 mycotoxin is crucial for assessing its health risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro biologic effects of T-2 mycotoxin on the murine immune response.
- To determine the dose-dependent effects of T-2 mycotoxin on immune cell viability and function.
- To assess the impact of T-2 mycotoxin on both T-dependent and T-independent immune responses.
Main Methods:
- In vitro assessment of T-2 mycotoxin's impact on mouse immune cells.
- Evaluation of immune response to T-dependent (sheep RBC) and T-independent (TNP-lipopolysaccharide) antigens.
- Cell viability assays to correlate toxin dose with cell death.
- Time-course analysis of toxin administration during immune cell incubation.
Main Results:
- Twenty nanograms of T-2 mycotoxin abrogated the immune response to T-dependent antigens; 2 ng caused a partial response.
- Cell death was observed at toxin doses that diminished immune responses.
- Both B and T lymphocyte populations were affected, as indicated by decreased responses to T-independent antigens.
- Delayed toxin administration (up to 116 hours) still substantially reduced immune response.
- No significant strain variability in sensitivity was observed across different mouse haplotypes (b, d, k).
Conclusions:
- T-2 mycotoxin directly exerts toxic effects on immune cells, modulating the immune response.
- The toxin impacts both B and T lymphocytes, affecting both humoral and cellular immunity.
- T-2 mycotoxin affects both the afferent and efferent arms of the immune system.
- The immunomodulatory effects are dose-dependent and occur across various mouse strains.