Differential immune responses to albumin adducts of reactive intermediates of trichloroethene in MRL+/+ mice

Ping Cai, Rolf König, M. Firoze Khan, Bhupendra S. Kaphalia, G. A.S. Ansari

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

19 Scopus citations

Abstract

Trichloroethene (TCE) is an industrial degreasing solvent and widespread environmental contaminant. Exposure to TCE is associated with autoimmunity. The mode of action of TCE is via its oxidative metabolism, and most likely, immunotoxicity is mediated via haptenization of macromolecules and subsequent induction of immune responses. To better understand the role of protein haptenization through TCE metabolism, we immunized MRL+/+ mice with albumin adducts of various TCE reactive intermediates. Serum immunoglobulins and cytokine levels were measured to determine immune responses against haptenized albumin. We found antigen-specific IgG responses of the IgG subtypes IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG2b, with IgG1 predominating. Serum levels of G-CSF were increased in immunized mice, suggesting macrophage activation. Liver histology revealed lymphocyte infiltration in the lobules and the portal area following immunization with formyl-albumin. Our findings suggest that proteins haptenized by metabolites of TCE may act as neo-antigens that can induce humoral immune responses and T cell-mediated hepatitis.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)278-283
Number of pages6
JournalToxicology and Applied Pharmacology
Volume220
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - May 1 2007

Keywords

  • Albumin adducts
  • Autoimmune hepatitis
  • Autoimmunity
  • Trichloroethene (TCE)

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Toxicology
  • Pharmacology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Differential immune responses to albumin adducts of reactive intermediates of trichloroethene in MRL+/+ mice'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this