Inorganic arsenic impairs proliferation and cytokine expression in human primary T lymphocytes. - Inserm - Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale
Journal Articles Toxicology Year : 2012

Inorganic arsenic impairs proliferation and cytokine expression in human primary T lymphocytes.

Abstract

Inorganic arsenic is a toxic environmental contaminant to which humans are mainly exposed through drinking water. This metalloid impairs functions of several key immune cells. Particularly, it reduces IL-2 secretion and proliferation of blood peripheral mononuclear cells stimulated by lectins that, however, do not mimic physiological T cell activation. The present study used isolated human T cells activated, in a more physiological manner, through stimulation with CD3/CD28 antibodies, to carefully analyze the impact of arsenic on T cell proliferation and cytokine expression. We demonstrate that non cytotoxic concentrations of sodium arsenite (As(III), 0.25-2μM) significantly reduce T cell proliferation by increasing the percentage of non dividing cells blocked in G1 phase and by preventing cyclin D3 and CDC25A expression. They also markedly, although not totally, reduces IL-2 expression at both mRNA and protein levels; however, metalloid-dependent inhibition of T cells could not be reversed by addition of recombinant IL-2. In addition, As(III) markedly reduces secretion of interferon-γ without impairing that of IL-4 and IL-13; it also decreases interferon-γ mRNA levels but increases those of IL-13. Finally, simultaneously to its immune effects, As(III) rapidly and potently increases expression of the redox-sensitive genes HMOX1, NQO1 and GCLM in activated T cells without altering the levels of reactive oxygen species. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that As(III) inhibits T cell proliferation, independently of IL-2, and alters the Th balance of cytokines secreted by co-stimulated T cells which thus constitute direct targets of this major environmental contaminant.

Dates and versions

inserm-00872848 , version 1 (14-10-2013)

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Claudie Morzadec, Fidaa Bouezzedine, Mélinda Macoch, Olivier Fardel, Laurent Vernhet. Inorganic arsenic impairs proliferation and cytokine expression in human primary T lymphocytes.. Toxicology, 2012, 300 (1-2), pp.46-56. ⟨10.1016/j.tox.2012.05.025⟩. ⟨inserm-00872848⟩
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