T-2 Toxin (T-2)

T-2 Toxin is a trichothecene, a potent mycotoxin produced in feedstuffs by several species of the genus FUSARIUM and causes severe inflammation in animals and has teratogenic effects. T-2 toxin can cause cell death in human lymphoid T cells and induces cell membrane damage in B cells. T-2 toxin is stable in the environment, and resistant to heat and ultraviolet light. T-2 exposure has both acute and chronic effects, including apoptosis (programmed cell death) in the immune system and fetal tissue. On the skin, toxins are quickly absorbed and can cause damage.