IMMUNOTOXICITY OF MYCOTOXINS

Mycotoxins are a group of structurally diverse fungal secondary metabo lites that elicit a wide spectrum of toxicologic effects. Of particula r interest is the capacity of some mycotoxins to alter normal immune f unction when present in food at levels below observable overt toxicity . The sensitivity of the immune system to mycotoxin-induced immunosupp ression arises from the vulnerability of the continually proliferating and differentiating cells that participate in immune mediated activit ies and regulate the complex communication network between cellular an d humoral components. Mycotoxin induced immunosuppression may be manif ested as depressed T or B lymphocyte activity, suppressed antibody pro duction and impaired macrophage/neutrophil-effector functions. The imm une system is primarily responsible for defense against invading organ isms. Suppressed immune functions by mycotoxins may eventually decreas e resistance to infectious diseases as well as acquired immunity induc ed by vaccination.