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Environmental bisphenol A exposure triggers trained immunity-related pathways in monocytes
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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.
Overall, this study pointed out for the first time the immunological effects of an environmental chemical and plastic-derived compound in the induction of trained immunity in a healthy cohort.
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Western lifestyle linked to maladaptive trained immunity
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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.
Environmental influences on macrophage epigenetics and trained immunity: a review
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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.
Unveiling the molecular interactions between bisphenol A and the cell surface Toll-like receptors: Implications for immune health
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Researchers used molecular modeling to investigate how bisphenol A—a chemical released by microplastics—interacts with the Toll-like receptor 4 cell surface protein, identifying binding mechanisms that could explain how plastic-associated chemicals trigger inflammatory immune responses.
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.
Polystyrene microplastics induce an immunometabolic active state in macrophages
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Researchers found that polystyrene microplastics taken up by macrophages — immune cells lining the gut and lungs — triggered a metabolic shift toward an inflammatory state. This finding suggests microplastics reaching human tissues may alter immune function in ways that could contribute to inflammation-related diseases.
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.