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Identification and analysis of microplastic aggregation in CAR-T cells
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For the first time, researchers identified microplastic particles inside CAR-T cell therapy products, a type of immune cell treatment used against certain cancers. Lab experiments showed that microplastic exposure suppressed CAR-T cell activity, increased cell death, and triggered signs of cellular exhaustion. The study raises important questions about microplastic contamination in cell-based medical therapies and its potential to affect treatment outcomes.
Microplastics (MPs) are increasingly recognized as contaminants present in various environments and are widely acknowledged as potential hazards to the mammalian immune system. In our study of chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy, we observed the presence of MP in CAR-T cell products for the first time. It is worth exploring whether MP could enter CAR-T cells and how they might affect CAR-T cells' functionality. Therefore, we analyzed how MP affected CD19 and BCMA-CAR-T cells. Based on flow cytometry, ELISA, and cytotoxicity analysis of in vitro and in vivo experiments, MP suppressed the activity of CAR-T cells. Subsequent investigation revealed that the exposure of CAR-T cells to varying concentrations of MP resulted in a notable increase in apoptosis, ferroptosis, and exhaustion levels. Furthermore, the hyperactivation of the mTOR signaling pathway in MP-treated CAR-T cells was verified. The partial restoration of CAR-T cell function in MP was achieved by inhibiting the mTOR pathway. MP present a threat to CAR-T cell function due to their role in inducing CAR-T cell apoptosis, ferroptosis, and T-cell exhaustion through the hyperactivation of mTOR signaling pathways.
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Using a new single-cell detection method, researchers tracked how nanoplastics interact with 37 different types of human immune cells from blood samples. The nanoplastics were absorbed by and interfered with several immune cell types, particularly monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells. Mouse experiments confirmed the nanoplastics accumulated in immune cells in the liver, blood, and spleen, raising concerns about how plastic exposure could disrupt immune function.
Detection and quantification of microplastics in various types of human tumor tissues
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Researchers detected microplastics in 43% of tumor samples across lung, gastric, colorectal, cervical, and pancreatic cancers, with polystyrene, PVC, and polyethylene being the types found. In pancreatic tumors, microplastic presence was associated with fewer immune cells that fight cancer and more immune cells linked to tumor progression, suggesting microplastics may create conditions that help tumors evade the immune system.
Effects of microplastics on the colorectal tumor immune microenvironment and immunotherapy resistance via JAK–STAT–microbiota perturbation.
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Scientists found that microplastics—tiny plastic particles now common in our environment—can build up in colorectal (colon) tumors and make cancer immunotherapy less effective, based on studies in mice. The plastics seem to weaken the immune system's ability to find and attack cancer cells, partly by disrupting gut bacteria and blocking key immune signals. While this research was done in animals rather than people, it raises concerning questions about whether everyday plastic exposure could affect cancer treatment outcomes in humans.
Generation of Eroded Nanoplastics from Domestic Wastes and Their Impact on Macrophage Cell Viability and Gene Expression
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Researchers created nanoplastics from common household plastic waste like water bottles, styrofoam, and plastic bags, then tested their effects on immune cells. All types of nanoplastics killed immune cells in a dose-dependent way and triggered changes in genes related to inflammation, with polystyrene, polyethylene, and polypropylene being the most toxic. This study shows that the tiny plastic particles shed from everyday items can harm immune cells, which could weaken the body's ability to fight infection and disease.
Polymer-Specific Quantification of Circulating Microplastics in Healthy and Immunocompromised Individuals
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Scientists found tiny plastic particles in the blood of all people they tested, but people with weakened immune systems had slightly higher levels than healthy people. The plastic pieces likely come from everyday items and medical equipment, and people with compromised immune systems may have trouble clearing them from their bodies. This research shows that microplastics are now circulating in human blood, though we still don't know what health effects this might have.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.