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NLRP3 inflammasome activation by particles and fibers: implications for human hazard assessment
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When your body encounters tiny particles—like asbestos, quartz dust, or even microplastics—it can trigger an internal "alarm system" (called the NLRP3 inflammasome) that causes inflammation, which over time may contribute to disease. This review pulls together decades of research showing this link is well-proven for workplace dusts, but says scientists still don't fully know how risky everyday exposure to things like microplastics or air pollution really is. The authors argue that testing new materials for this inflammation trigger should become a standard safety check before they end up in products or the environment.
The NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome has been shown to be involved in the manifestation of adverse effects following exposure to occupational, dietary and environmental particulate matter. In this review, we summarize knowledge on NLRP3 inflammasome activation by particles and fibers in vitro and in vivo, outline dominant activation mechanisms and discuss the link to human diseases. While the association between NLRP3 activation and development of diseases is well established for occupational exposure to mineral dusts like asbestos and quartz, the health effects of low-level exposure to environmental particulate pollutants, such as micro- and nanoplastics, desert dust or novel nanocomposites remain to be unraveled. Based on the combined literature of well-studied and emerging particles, we emphasize the relevance of testing for NLRP3 activation in the hazard assessment of novel particulate materials.
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NLRP3 inflammasome as a sensor of micro- and nanoplastics immunotoxicity
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This review examines how micro and nanoplastics may trigger the NLRP3 inflammasome, a key part of the human immune system that activates inflammatory responses when it detects harmful particles. Evidence suggests that plastic particles can penetrate tissue barriers and set off inflammation cascades similar to those caused by other known toxic particulates. Understanding this immune pathway is important for assessing the potential health effects of microplastic exposure in people.
Assessing the NLRP3 Inflammasome Activating Potential of a Large Panel of Micro- and Nanoplastics in THP-1 Cells
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Researchers developed an in vitro screening system using immune cells to assess whether various micro- and nanoplastics can activate the NLRP3 inflammasome, a key component of the innate immune system involved in inflammatory responses. The study tested a large panel of plastic particles of different sizes, shapes, and polymer types, providing insights into which characteristics may trigger inflammatory responses.
Sterile inflammation induced by respirable micro and nano polystyrene particles in the pathogenesis of pulmonary diseases
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Researchers exposed human lung and immune cells to polystyrene micro and nanoparticles and found they triggered a type of inflammation that does not require infection, called sterile inflammation. Aged (oxidized) particles and those that interacted with immune cells were especially potent at activating inflammatory pathways including the NLRP3 inflammasome. This suggests that breathing in airborne microplastics could cause chronic lung inflammation over time.
Small Plastics, Big Inflammatory Problems.
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This review examined how micro- and nano-plastics trigger inflammatory responses through interactions with immune cells, finding that particles activate multiple signaling pathways including NF-kB and NLRP3 inflammasome, potentially contributing to chronic low-grade inflammation linked to cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, and cancer.
Effects of Nano and Microplastics on the Inflammatory Process: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies Systematic Review
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This systematic review examined both lab-based and animal studies on how micro- and nanoplastics trigger inflammation in the body. The evidence supports a link between microplastic exposure and inflammatory responses, which are involved in many chronic diseases. While more high-quality studies are needed — especially on nanoplastics — the findings suggest that plastic particles may contribute to ongoing low-level inflammation in exposed organisms.
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