Methods to Evaluate Cytotoxicity and Immunosuppression of Combustible Tobacco Product PreparationsSubhashini Arimilli 1, Brad E. Damratoski 1, Prasad G.L. 2
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, 2R&D Department, R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
Using optimized human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) ex vivo assays, we showed that a combustible tobacco product preparation markedly suppresses receptor-mediated intracellularly secreted cytokines and cytolytic ability of effector PBMCs. These rapid assays may be useful in product evaluation and understanding the potential long-term effects of tobacco exposure.
