Publisher's Synopsis
Dioxins and chemically related halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons (HAHs) interfere with several components of the immune system, including cells and soluble factors. Dioxins and HAHs, in particular the infamous 2,3, 7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, or "Seveso dioxin", bind to the cytosolic Ah (arylhydrocarbon) receptor, turning it into a transcription factor for a variety of genes. Affected by dioxin action are growth and differentiation patterns of lymphoid cells including stem cells, thymocytes, B cells and others. Growth factors and cytokines are directly or indirectly modulated by Ah-receptor-binding chemicals. In this issue leading experts summarize the current knowledge on the molecular biology of the Ah receptor, the effects on stem cells, thymus development, the humoral immune response, growth factors and cytokines. It is the only collection of current data on the immunotoxicology of dioxins in a concise form, presenting ideas and hypotheses that are crucial for a rational risk assessment of these ubiquitous environmental pollutants.;Authoritative and up-to-date, this publication will make essential reading for immunologists and toxicologists. Furthermore, people involved in environmental health policy, risk assessment and public relations will find it very useful.
