Adverse effects of cadmium on lymphoid organs, immune cells, and immunological responses

• Published in: Journal of applied toxicology Vol. 45; no. 1; pp. 159 - 173
• Main Authors: Kumari, Priyanka, Nanda, Kumari Pragati, Firdaus, Hena
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.01.2025
• Subjects: Animals; Autoimmunity; Cadmium; Cadmium - toxicity; Cell culture; Deregulation; Environmental Pollutants - toxicity; Exposure; Heavy metals; Humans; Immune system; Immune System - drug effects; Immune System - immunology; Immunology; Immunomodulation; Lymphoid Tissue - drug effects; Lymphoid Tissue - immunology; Organs; Structure-function relationships; Toxicity testing; cadmium; immune cells; immunotoxicity; lymphoid organ; autoimmunity; inflammation
• ISSN: 0260-437X; 1099-1263; 1099-1263
• DOI: 10.1002/jat.4675

Humans and animals possess robust immune systems to safeguard against foreign pathogens. However, recent reports suggest a greater incidence of immunity breakdown due to exposure to environmental pollutants, with heavy metals emerging as potential candidates in such immuno‐toxicological studies. While we have extensive data on the general toxicity resulting from exposure to heavy metals, comprehensive documentation of their role as immune disruptors remains scarce. Cd (Cadmium) exerts immunomodulation by interfering with immune organs and cells, leading to altered structure, physiology, and function, thereby inducing symptoms of immune deregulation, inflammation and/or autoimmunity. This review aims to summarize the link between Cd exposure and immune dysfunction, drawing from case studies on exposed human subjects, as well as research conducted on various model organisms and in‐vitro culture systems. This review examines how cadmium exposure disrupts the immune system, focusing on its effects on immune organs, cells, and effector molecules. It highlights the mechanisms by which cadmium impairs immune responses and aims to summarize cadmium‐induced immunomodulation to advance research on strategies to counteract its toxic effects.