The mycotoxin deoxynivalenol inhibits the cell surface expression of activation markers in human macrophages.

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is the most prevalent trichothecene mycotoxin in crops in Europe and North America. It exhibits several toxic effects including impaired growth and immune dysregulation. Macrophages play pivotal role in the host defense; upon activation, they express several specific cell surface receptors that are important in adhesion and cell signaling.