Immune Suppression by Dermal Application of JP-8 Jet Fuel

Abstract

The initial focus of this work was to test the hypothesis that dermal application of jet fuel induced immune suppression. Using a mouse model of dermal exposure we noted that applying JP-8 to the skin induced immune suppression. Both primary and recall immune reactions were suppressed by applying JP-8. Cytokine production by JP-8-treated keratinocytes particularly prostaglandin E2 and interleukin-10 drive immune suppression. During the current funding period we made three important discoveries. First, we found that the aromatic compounds within jet fuel drive immune suppression. When synthetic jet fuel (S-8), which is totally devoid of aromatic compounds, was applied to the skin, no immune suppression was noted. Adding back a cocktail of the 7 most prevalent aromatic compounds found JP-8 to S-8, rendered it immune suppressive. Second, we found that JP-8 activated cytokine production in skin cells by activating the production of reactive oxygen species, which in turn activated NF-kappaBeta, which led to cytokine production and immune suppression. Finally we found that applying JP-8 to the skin activated the migration of mast cells from the skin to the lymph nodes. Blocking the migration, by interfering with the signals that regulate mast cell migration, blocked immune suppression.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 13, 2008
Accession Number
ADA492119

Entities

People

  • Stephen E. Ullrich

Organizations

  • The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Aromatic Compounds
  • Aromatic Hydrocarbons
  • Blood Coagulation Factors
  • Cell Movement
  • Cell Physiological Processes
  • Cells
  • Chemistry
  • Epithelial Cells
  • Free Radicals
  • Immune System
  • Jet Engine Fuels
  • Lymph Nodes
  • Lymphatic System
  • Lymphocytes
  • Mast Cells
  • Medical Personnel

Fields of Study

  • Medicine

Readers

  • Oncology (Cancer Research).
  • Petroleum Engineering
  • Toxicology/Environmental Toxicology