Investigating immune responses to Harmful Algal Bloom cyanotoxins in protection of human health and the environment

Abstract

Abstract Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are a major environmental and public health concern globally that impact multiple essential areas including agriculture, drinking water, and recreational water. Although harmful blooms are caused by other organisms, those from cyanobacteria are the most common freshwater pollutant. Cyanobacteria produce secondary metabolites including cyanotoxins that pollute drinking and recreational waters and produce metabolites and cell components that can contribute to skin irritation. The aim of this study is to elucidate the specific mechanisms that lead to inflammation and irritation caused by exposure to these toxins. Multiplexing technology afforded the ability to investigate a variety of human cytokines and chemokines, and soluble receptors to measure immune responses in a single sample. 3D human tissue cultures were exposed to a variety of different toxins found in HABs. These samples were then examined using Luminex™ xMAP technology to look at 38 different cytokines/chemokines and 14 soluble receptors in each sample. We observed the expression of several cytokines/chemokines that regulate the inflammatory process in endothelial and epithelial cells and play a role in the recruitment of neutrophils to the site of inflammation. This could contribute to the rashes or skin irritation commonly reported by patients exposed to HABs. Additional observations and analyses are needed to identify the specific immune response pathways activated during exposure to these toxins. These findings could lead to a better understand of human exposure to cyanotoxins and more appropriate and effective treatment modalities for patients who exhibit rashes or skin irritations after being exposed to these blooms. This work is supported by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.