Hexabromocyclododecane decreases the lytic function and ATP levels of human natural killer cells

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) on human natural killer (NK) cell lytic function, additionally; it investigates the effects of HBCD on ATP levels in NK cells. Human NK cells are a subset of lymphocytes that are capable of lysing tumor cells, virally infected cells, and antibody‐coated cells. Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) is a non‐aromatic, brominated cyclic alkane used primarily as an additive flame retardant. If HBCD interferes with NK cell function, this could increase risk of tumor development and/or viral infection. NK cells were exposed to various concentrations of HBCD for 24 h, 48 h, and 6 days before determining lytic function and ATP levels. ATP levels and lytic function were also determined in NK cells that were exposed to HBCD for 1 h followed by 24 h, 48 h, and 6 days in HBCD‐free media. The results indicated that exposure of NK cells to 10 µM HBCD for 24 h causes a very significant decrease in both NK cell ATP levels and lytic function (90.5% and 93.5%, respectively). Exposure of NK cells to 10 µM HBCD for 1 h followed by 24h in HBCD‐free media also showed a very significant decrease in lytic function (89.4%) and a slight decrease in ATP levels (46.1%). The results indicate that HBCD exposures decrease ATP levels and lytic function in NK cells.Supported by NIH grant SG06 GM008092‐33