We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Polystyrene nanoplastics enhance poxvirus preference for migrasome-mediated transmission
Summary
This study discovered that polystyrene nanoplastics help poxviruses spread between cells by enhancing a transport mechanism involving tiny cell-derived bubbles called migrasomes. When nanoplastics were present, virus-carrying migrasomes formed more readily and carried viral particles more efficiently. This finding suggests that nanoplastic pollution could potentially make certain viral infections spread more effectively, raising new concerns about the intersection of plastic pollution and infectious disease.
Since the emergence of a global outbreak of mpox in 2022, understanding the transmission pathways and mechanisms of Orthopoxviruses, including vaccinia virus (VACV), has become paramount. Nanoplastic pollution has become a significant global issue due to its widespread presence in the environment and potential adverse effects on human health. These emerging pollutants pose substantial risks to both living organisms and the environment, raising serious health concerns related to their proliferation. Despite this, the effects of nanoparticles on viral transmission dynamics remain unclear. This study explores how polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NPs) influence the transmission of VACV through migrasomes. We demonstrate that PS-NPs accelerate the formation of migrasomes early in the infection process, facilitating VACV entry as soon as 15 h post-infection (hpi), compared to the usual onset at 36 hpi. Immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) reveal significant co-localization of VACV with migrasomes induced by PS-NPs by 15 hpi. This interaction coincides with an increase in lipid droplet size, attributed to higher cholesterol levels influenced by PS-NPs. By 36 hpi, migrasomes exposed to both PS-NPs and VACV exhibit distinct features, such as retraction fibers and larger lipid droplets, emphasizing their critical role in cargo transport during viral infections. These results suggest that PS-NPs may act as modulators of viral transmission dynamics through migrasomes, with potential implications for antiviral strategies and environmental health.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Enteric virus infection was boosted by the accumulation of micro- and nano-particles in host cells
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.
The potential role of micro- and nanoplastics in the spread of viruses
This review examines how micro- and nanoplastics may act as vehicles that amplify the spread and infectivity of pathogenic viruses in humans and animals, explaining that the plastisphere (the microbial community living on plastic surfaces) can preserve viruses and that plastics weaken the body's natural barrier tissues. The authors warn that plastic particles carrying viruses could increase infection risk and potentially even help viruses develop new variants, calling for urgent interdisciplinary research.
Investigation of cell-to-cell transfer of polystyrene microplastics through extracellular vesicle-mediated communication
Scientists discovered that cells can transfer polystyrene microplastic particles to other cells through tiny membrane-enclosed packages called extracellular vesicles. This finding reveals a previously unknown mechanism for how microplastics could spread between cells in the body, potentially explaining how plastic particles move through tissues after initial exposure.
Microplastics and Nanoplastics as Carriers for Viral Transmission: Effects on Viral Properties, Infection, Immune Response, and Public Health
This review examined how microplastics and nanoplastics can act as carriers for viruses, potentially influencing the spread of infectious diseases. Researchers found that plastic particles create a surface habitat called the plastisphere that promotes microbial growth and can serve as a reservoir for pathogens. The study suggests that micro- and nanoplastics may alter viral persistence, infection dynamics, and immune responses, though significant knowledge gaps remain about the real-world impact on public health.
Investigation of Cell-to-cell Transfer of Polystyrene Microplastics Through Extracellular Vesicle-mediated Communication
Researchers investigated cell-to-cell transfer of polystyrene microplastics through extracellular vesicles, finding that cells can package and transfer plastic particles via vesicle-mediated pathways, a previously unrecognized route for intracellular plastic dissemination.