Immunobiological Consequences of Sulfur Mustard Contamination

Sulfur mustard has been employed in chemical warfare in certain regions including iran.the short and long term biological effects of sulfur mustard contamination have beenstudied in both basic and clinical aspects. sulfur mustard has been shown to induce a vastarray of pathological effects in affected persons. in addition to skin, lung, eyes andgastrointestinal disturbances, sulfur mustard has been shown to induce hematologicalcomplications and a severe suppression of the immune system. the short and long termimmunological (both cellular and humoral), hematological, genetic and biochemicalconsequences of persons exposed to sulfur mustard are extensively reviewed here. the longterm complications of these patients indicate the need to develop effective preventive andtherapeutic strategies in the clinic. these strategies may be based upon immunopotentiatingintervention and therapy.