TNF Family Cytokines Induce Distinct Cell Death Modalities in the A549 Human Lung Epithelial Cell Line when Administered in Combination with Ricin Toxin.

ABSTRACT: Ricin is a member of the ribosome-inactivating protein (RIP) family of toxins and is classified as a biothreat agent by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Inhalation, the most potent route of toxicity, triggers an acute respiratory distress-like syndrome that coincides with near complete destruction of the lung epithelium. We previously demonstrated that the TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL; CD253) sensitizes human lung epithelial cells to ricin-induced death. Here, we report that ricin/TRAIL-mediated cell death occurs via apoptosis and involves caspases -3, -7, -8, and -9, but not caspase-6. In addition, we show that two other TNF family members, TNF-α and Fas ligand (FasL), also sensitize human lung epithelial cells to ricin-induced death. While ricin/TNF-α

SUBMITTER: Hodges AL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6723388 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature