Immunomodulation by Fungal Toxins

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IMMUNOMODULATION BY FUNGAL TOXINS

Authors: Genevieve S. Bondy; J. Pestka

DOI: 10.1080/109374000281113

Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part B, Volume 3,

Issue 2 April 2000 , pages 109 - 143

http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/content~content=a713850488~db=all

Abstract

The availability of immunotoxicity data for fungal toxins varies

considerably for different toxins. The following is a comprehensive

review of the most recent literature on the immunotoxicity of

aflatoxins, fumonisins, gliotoxin, ochratoxins, patulin, and

trichothecenes. Aflatoxin is an immunomodulating agent that acts

primarily on cell-mediated immunity and phagocytic cell function. In

addition to further characterization of aflatoxininduced

immunotoxicity in various species, some recent studies have focused on

ameliorating the effects of aflatoxin by supplementing or amending the

diet. The immunomodulatory effects of ochratoxins have also been

considered for many years. Notably, recent studies have examined

immune function in the offspring of rats and mice exposed to

ochratoxin pre- and perinatally. Fumonisin toxicity has been

characterized relatively recently in comparison to aflatoxin and

ochratoxin, and fumonisin-induced immunotoxicity is an area of active

research. As these studies progress, they may also clarify the role of

sphingolipid metabolism in immune function. The most recent study of

patulin immunotoxicity in mice indicates that exposure to levels found

in foods and feeds would not likely result in immunotoxicity. Exposure

to gliotoxin would most likely be by infection with

gliotoxin-producing fungi. Although the toxin is immunosuppressive in

vitro, the link between immunosuppression and the presence of

gliotoxin in infected tissues in vivo has yet to be made. The

trichothecenes can both suppress and stimulate immune function. By

comparison, more information is available on the molecular events

associated with trichothecene-induced immunomodulation than for any

other fungal toxins. The molecular basis of immune function modulation

by fungal toxins remains a frontier for future research.