The immune system has been identified as a very sensitive target for the toxic effects of 2,3,7,S-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Exposure to TCDD has been shown to disrupt the generation of both cell-mediated and humoral T cell-dependent immunity in laboratory animals; however, the mechanism remains unknown. In this dissertation, the hypothesis is...
Proper immune function is indispensable, as failure to mount an immune response against a pathogen can lead to serious complications or even death. T cells act by enhancing the activation of phagocytic cells as well as the activation of B cells. Their widespread influence on an immune response makes optimal...