Tricothecene mycotoxin and potent protein synthesis inhibitor. Exhibits cytotoxic activity in vivo via the ribotoxic stress response. Induces p38-mediated gene expression and apoptosis in leukocytes; activity results in systemic expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and other proinflammatory cytokines. Also induces migration of NF-κB into the nucleus.