Is a compromised interferon response an etiologic factor in Reye's syndrome?

Area of Science:

• Environmental Toxicology
• Immunology
• Virology

Background:

• Polyoxyethylene ether-based emulsifiers are common environmental contaminants, particularly in pesticide-sprayed forest areas.
• These emulsifiers may impact immune function, potentially increasing vulnerability to viral infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of a commercial emulsifier (Toximul MP8) on viral lethality and interferon response in mice.
• To examine the interferon-producing capacity of lymphocytes from children with Reye's syndrome exposed to potential environmental emulsifiers.

Main Methods:

• Mice were injected with Toximul MP8 and subsequently infected with encephalomyocarditis virus.
• Lymphocyte cultures from mice and children (acute and convalescent Reye's syndrome patients, healthy controls) were stimulated to induce interferon production.

Main Results:

• Emulsifier-injected mice exhibited increased mortality from viral infection and a diminished interferon response compared to controls.
• Lymphocytes from mice exposed to the emulsifier showed poor interferon induction.
• Lymphocytes from children during the acute phase of Reye's syndrome produced significantly less interferon than those from convalescent patients and healthy controls.

Conclusions:

• Commercial emulsifiers may compromise the interferon response, enhancing viral disease severity.
• Impaired interferon production during the acute phase of Reye's syndrome suggests a potential link to environmental factors like emulsifiers.