Gliotoxin is a secondary metabolite, the most abundant mycotoxin secreted by A. fumigatus, inhibits the phagocytosis of macrophages and the immune functions of other immune cells [1]. Gliotoxin inhibits inducible NF-kappaB activity by preventing IkappaB degradation, which consequently induces host-cell apoptosis[2]. Gliotoxin activates PKA and increases intracellular cAMP concentration, modulates actin cytoskeleton rearrangement to facilitate A. fumigatus internalization into lung epithelial cells[3]. Gliotoxin is a potent NOTCH2 transactivation inhibitor, can effectively induce apoptosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells[4].
