Immunotoxicological effects of benzotriazole UV stabilizers through activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor

Abstract

Benzotriazole UV stabilizers (BUVSs) are widely used as additives of various materials, including plastics, to prevent from UV-irradiation. In this study, we investigated the toxicological effects of BUVSs via the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). The cell-based transactivation assay and in silico analysis revealed that some BUVSs interact with AhR ligand binding domain and activate AhR. In addition, oral treatment of C57BL/6N mice with these compounds significantly increased the proportion of CD4⁺ Foxp3⁺ regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the spleen. These findings suggest that some BUVSs might induce Tregs through AhR activation and act as immunosuppressive modulators.