Enniatin B alters bovine polymorphonuclear leukocytes phagocytosis and extracellular reactive oxygen species production in vitro

S Sandrini ¹, G Salvi ¹, D Ravanelli ¹

⁰Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences (DIVAS), University of Milan, Via dell'Università 6, 2600 Lodi, Italy.

Research in Veterinary Science +

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January 22, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Enniatin B (ENN B), a common mycotoxin, did not harm bovine immune cells but impaired their ability to fight bacteria and increased harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS). This suggests ENN B may weaken the bovine immune response, increasing infection risk.

Area Of Science

Veterinary Immunology
Mycotoxicology
Cellular Immunology

Background

Enniatins (ENNs) are mycotoxins affecting animal health, with Enniatin B (ENN B) being frequently detected in food and feed.
Bovine polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) are crucial for innate immunity, defending against pathogens.

Purpose Of The Study

To investigate the in vitro effects of Enniatin B on the function of bovine polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs).
To assess Enniatin B's impact on PMN viability, chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and extracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production.

Main Methods

Bovine PMNs were isolated and exposed to varying concentrations of Enniatin B (0.625–10 μM).
Cell viability, chemotactic activity, phagocytosis of E. coli and S. aureus, and extracellular ROS production were measured.
Experiments were conducted under both physiological and pro-inflammatory (PMA-stimulated) conditions.

Main Results

Enniatin B did not affect bovine PMN viability or chemotactic activity across all tested concentrations.
Phagocytosis of Gram-positive (S. aureus) and Gram-negative (E. coli) bacteria was significantly reduced by higher Enniatin B concentrations (5 and 10 μM).
Extracellular ROS production was notably increased by Enniatin B under both physiological and pro-inflammatory conditions.

Conclusions

Enniatin B exhibits immunomodulatory effects on bovine PMNs in vitro, without causing direct cytotoxicity.
The observed reduction in phagocytosis and increase in ROS suggest Enniatin B may compromise the bovine innate immune response.
These findings highlight a potential risk for increased susceptibility to infections in animals exposed to Enniatin B.

Keywords:

Cow Enniatin Leukocytes Phagocytosis Reactive oxygen species