Biological Toxins and Bioterrorism

Abstract

In recent years, the field of toxinology has expanded substantially. On the one hand it studies venomous animals, plants and micro organisms in detail to understand their mode of action on targets. While on the other, it explores the biochemical composition, genomics and proteomics of toxins and venoms to understand their three interaction with life forms (especially humans), development of antidotes and exploring their pharmacological potential. Therefore, toxinology has deep linkages with biochemistry, molecular biology, anatomy and pharmacology. In addition, there is a fast-developing applied subfield, clinical toxinology, which deals with understanding and managing medical effects of toxins on human body. Given the huge impact of toxin-based deaths globally, and the potential of venom in generation of drugs for so-far incurable diseases (for example, diabetes, chronic pain), the continued research and growth of the field is imminent. This has led to the growth of research in the area and the consequent scholarly output by way of publications in journals and books. Despite this ever-growing body of literature within biomedical sciences, there is still no all-inclusive reference work available that collects all of the important biochemical, biomedical and clinical insights relating to toxinology. Composed of 11 volumes, Toxinology provides comprehensive and authoritative coverage of the main areas in toxinology, from fundamental concepts to new developments and applications in the field. Each volume comprises a focused and carefully chosen collection of contributions from leading names in the subject.

Chemical exposure and alveolar macrophages responses: ‘the role of pulmonary defense mechanism in inhalation injuries’

“…23 A single RTA can inactivate nearly 1500 ribosomes per minute, preventing the cell from compensating for the loss. 24 The first cells to encounter ricin in the pulmonary system are AMs, which attach to the mannosylated B-chain of ricin via a mannose receptor (MR;CD206) on its surface. 25 As soon as ricin is up-taken by AMs, they undergo apoptosis, which leads to invocation of inflammatory cells to the lungs.…”

Necroptosis of Lung Epithelial Cells Triggered by Ricin Toxin and Bystander Inflammation

“…In its mature form, RT is a 60-65 kDa glycoprotein capable of inhibiting protein synthesis in mammalian cells (1)(2)(3). RT is classified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on the list of select agents and toxins due to its extreme toxicity when inhaled as an aerosol [1][2][3][4][5].…”