**8. Newly identified trichothecene mycotoxins**

In addition to the well characterized fungal mycotoxins, plant-derived mycotoxin metabolites, masked mycotoxins, have emerged as important co-contaminants in cereals [53, 54]. The most commonly detected masked mycotoxin conjugates are β-linked glucose-conjugates of trichothecenes, such as DON-3-glucoside (**Figure 6**). The possible hydrolysis of masked mycotoxins back to their toxic parents during mammalian digestion raises great concerns. Recently, a new series of type-A trichothecene, NX-toxins (**Figure 7**), produced by FGSC were characterized [5]. In vitro translation assays indicated that NX-3 can inhibit protein biosynthesis to almost the same extent as DON [5]. Comprehensive work on intestinal hydrolysis, absorption, metabolism, and toxicity of newly characterized mycotoxins need to be determined (**Figure 7**).

#### **Figure 6.**

*Chemical structure of deoxynivalenol-3-glucoside (D3G).*

**Figure 7.** *Chemical structures of NX-2, NX-3, and NX-4.*
