We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Western lifestyle linked to maladaptive trained immunity
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how aspects of Western lifestyle, including diet, chronic stress, and environmental exposures to air pollution and microplastics, may trigger maladaptive trained immunity in innate immune cells. Trained immunity normally provides a survival advantage by making immune cells more responsive after an initial stimulus, but chronic activation can exacerbate inflammatory diseases. The authors suggest that microplastics and other modern environmental triggers may contribute to persistent, harmful immune reprogramming.
Trained immunity (TI) refers to a state of innate immune cells that, after encountering an initial stimulus and undergoing epigenetic reprogramming and metabolic changes, allows them to respond more effectively to a subsequent challenge. TI yields a survival advantage, particularly in a pathogen-rich context. However, maladaptive TI may damage the host by exacerbating inflammatory diseases. Here we review which aspects of Western lifestyle may contribute to maladaptive TI, including a Western diet, periodontitis, chronic psychological stress, and environmental triggers such as air pollution and microplastics. Finally, we consider lifestyle intervention as a way to prevent or reduce the impact of maladaptive TI.
More Papers Like This
Environmental influences on macrophage epigenetics and trained immunity: a review
AI summary Read the abstract
This review pulls together existing research showing that everyday exposures—like pollution, pesticides, certain chemicals, diet, and even stress—can leave lasting marks on immune cells called macrophages, essentially "training" them to overreact or underreact long after the initial exposure is gone. This matters because it suggests our environment may be quietly reprogramming our immune system in ways linked to chronic disease, though scientists still don't know much about newer concerns like microplastics or whether these changes can be passed to future generations. The takeaway: what we're exposed to may shape our immune health for years, making this an important area for future research and public health policy.
Environmental bisphenol A exposure triggers trained immunity-related pathways in monocytes
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers discovered that environmental exposure to bisphenol A, a chemical commonly found in plastics, can trigger a process called trained immunity in human immune cells from healthy individuals. This means that even after the chemical is removed, the immune cells remain in a heightened state of activation, which could contribute to chronic inflammation. The study is among the first to show that a plastic-derived compound can reprogram the immune system in this lasting way.
Micro- and Nanoplastics and the Immune System: Mechanistic Insights and Future Directions
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
Epithelial barrier dysfunction, type 2 immune response, and the development of chronic inflammatory diseases
AI summary Read the abstract
This review explains how everyday substances including microplastics, air pollutants, food additives, and household chemicals damage the protective lining of our body's surfaces (epithelial barriers). Even trace amounts of these substances can cause the barriers to become leaky, allowing bacteria and allergens to trigger chronic inflammation. The research suggests that microplastic exposure, alongside other modern pollutants, may be contributing to the rise in chronic inflammatory diseases over the past several decades.
The Emerging Threat of Micro- and Nanoplastics on the Maturation and Activity of Immune Cells
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.