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Enteric virus infection was boosted by the accumulation of micro- and nano-particles in host cells
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Researchers discovered that polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics can boost viral infection by promoting the release of virus-carrying extracellular vesicles from host cells. In experiments with murine norovirus, pre-exposure to the plastic particles enhanced viral spread while simultaneously suppressing key immune responses. The study identifies a previously unrecognized mechanism by which environmental plastic pollution could increase vulnerability to enteric virus infections.
Micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) are emerging environmental contaminants that can readily enter and accumulate in the human body, yet their effects on viral infections remain largely unknown. This study provides the first evidence that polystyrene-based MNPs (MNP-PS) promote viral dissemination through an extracellular vesicle (EV)-mediated mechanism. Using murine norovirus (MNV-1), a surrogate for human norovirus, and RAW 264.7 macrophages as a representative host model, we found that pre-exposure to MNP-PS significantly enhanced viral infection. Bare MNP-PS induced stronger effects than carboxyl- or amine-functionalized MNP-PS. Mechanistic analyses demonstrated that pre-exposure to MNP-PS stimulated the release of virus-encapsulating EVs (viral vesicles) through multiple cellular pathways. Hydrophobic bare MNP-PS primarily triggered physical disruption of the cell membrane, whereas amine-functionalized and micro-sized particles mainly induced intracellular oxidative stress. These stress responses promoted the secretion of viral vesicles that were more infectious than free viral particles. Simultaneously, pre-exposure MNP-PS downregulated the expression of innate immune cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IFN-β) following viral infection, thereby impairing host antiviral defense. Together, the enhanced release of viral vesicles and the suppression of immune responses promoted more efficient viral propagation. Overall, this work identifies a previously unrecognized health risk of MNP exposure, provides mechanistic insight into how environmental particles modulate host-virus interactions, and underscores the need to consider microplastic contamination as a potential cofactor in viral transmission and disease progression.
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Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 binds to microplastic surfaces, and this interaction facilitates enhanced viral infection of host cells and amplifies inflammatory responses, suggesting microplastics may act as vectors for viral pathogens.
Polystyrene Microplastic-Induced Cellular Alterations and Their Effects on Viral Entry (RSV, HCoV-OC43, EV-A71) and Viral Persistence
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Researchers systematically investigated how polystyrene microplastics affect human cells and their interactions with three respiratory and enteric viruses. The study found that microplastic exposure caused cell damage, suppressed innate antiviral immune responses, and enhanced the persistence of enveloped viruses like coronavirus OC43 and RSV, suggesting that microplastics may create conditions favorable for viral survival.
Microplastics as Vectors for Viral Transmission: Mechanisms, Influencing Factors, and Ecological-Health Risks
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Tiny plastic particles floating in the environment can stick to viruses and help them survive longer and spread more easily, which could increase the risk of getting sick. This review article summarizes what scientists have learned about how plastics and viruses interact, and why it matters, because many of us are now exposed to both microplastics and viruses at the same time, which could be worse for our immune systems than facing either threat alone. Understanding this problem better will help researchers figure out how to protect public health as plastic pollution continues to grow worldwide.
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