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The Emerging Threat of Micro- and Nanoplastics on the Maturation and Activity of Immune Cells
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This review examines how micro and nanoplastics affect the immune system, focusing on their impact on immune cell development and function. Studies show that these tiny plastic particles can alter how immune cells mature and respond to threats, potentially weakening the body's defenses or triggering excessive inflammation. Since humans are constantly exposed to microplastics through food, water, and air, understanding these immune effects is critical for assessing long-term health risks.
With the increasing use of plastics worldwide, the amount of plastic waste being discarded has also risen. This plastic waste undergoes physical and chemical processes, breaking down into smaller particles known as microplastics (MPs) or nanoplastics (NPs). Advances in technology have enhanced our ability to detect these smaller particles, and it has been confirmed that plastics can be found in marine organisms as well as within the human body. However, research on the effects of MPs or NPs on living organisms has only recently been started, and our understanding remains limited. Studies on the immunological impacts are still ongoing, revealing that MPs and NPs can differentially affect various immune cells based on the material, size, and shape of the plastic particles. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the effects of MPs and NPs on the immune system. We will also explore the methods for plastic removal through physicochemical, microbial, or biological means.
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Impacts of microplastics on immunity
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This review examines the growing evidence that microplastics and nanoplastics can affect the immune system, covering studies in marine organisms, mammals, and human cell lines. Researchers found that these particles can trigger inflammation, alter immune cell function, and disrupt immune signaling pathways. The study underscores the need for more immunological research to fully understand how plastic particle exposure may compromise immune health in humans.
Immune Disruption and Disease Development by Microplastic Exposure
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This review synthesized growing evidence that microplastic and nanoplastic exposure disrupts the human immune system, covering how particles ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through skin can trigger inflammation, impair immune cell function, and potentially contribute to autoimmune and allergic conditions.
Effect of micro- and nanoplastics as food contaminants on the immune system
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This review synthesized research on how microplastic and nanoplastic exposure affects immune system function, finding evidence across multiple studies that these particles can modulate immune responses and trigger inflammatory pathways in exposed organisms. The authors highlight immune disruption as an emerging health concern from micro- and nanoplastic contamination.
The impact of micro- and nanoplastics on immune system development and functions: Current knowledge and future directions
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This review summarizes existing research on how micro- and nanoplastics affect the immune system, finding that exposure can disrupt blood cell development, alter immune cell behavior, and trigger inflammatory responses in lab and animal studies. While some studies show significant effects on organs like the spleen and intestines, others found minimal impact at environmentally realistic exposure levels, highlighting the need for more standardized research.
Micro- and Nanoplastics and the Immune System: Mechanistic Insights and Future Directions
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This review summarizes how micro- and nanoplastics disrupt the human immune system at the cellular level, impairing key immune cells like macrophages, dendritic cells, and T cells. The particles trigger chronic low-grade inflammation through oxidative stress and activation of inflammatory pathways, and can worsen autoimmune conditions like lupus and inflammatory bowel disease in animal studies. These findings raise concerns that ongoing microplastic exposure could gradually weaken immune function and contribute to immune-related diseases in people.
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