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NLRP3 inflammasome as a sensor of micro- and nanoplastics immunotoxicity
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This review examines how micro and nanoplastics may trigger the NLRP3 inflammasome, a key part of the human immune system that activates inflammatory responses when it detects harmful particles. Evidence suggests that plastic particles can penetrate tissue barriers and set off inflammation cascades similar to those caused by other known toxic particulates. Understanding this immune pathway is important for assessing the potential health effects of microplastic exposure in people.
Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are emerging pollutants with scarcely investigated effects on human innate immunity. If they follow a similar course of action as other, more thoroughly investigated particulates, MNPs may penetrate epithelial barriers, potentially triggering a cascade of signaling events leading to cell damage and inflammation. Inflammasomes are intracellular multiprotein complexes and stimulus-induced sensors critical for mounting inflammatory responses upon recognition of pathogen- or damage-associated molecular patterns. Among these, the NLRP3 inflammasome is the most studied in terms of activation via particulates. However, studies delineating the ability of MNPs to affect NLRP3 inflammasome activation are still rare. In this review, we address the issue of MNPs source and fate, highlight the main concepts of inflammasome activation via particulates, and explore recent advances in using inflammasome activation for assessment of MNP immunotoxicity. We also discuss the impact of co-exposure and MNP complex chemistry in potential inflammasome activation. Development of robust biological sensors is crucial in order to maximize global efforts to effectively address and mitigate risks that MNPs pose for human health.
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Assessing the NLRP3 Inflammasome Activating Potential of a Large Panel of Micro- and Nanoplastics in THP-1 Cells
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Researchers developed an in vitro screening system using immune cells to assess whether various micro- and nanoplastics can activate the NLRP3 inflammasome, a key component of the innate immune system involved in inflammatory responses. The study tested a large panel of plastic particles of different sizes, shapes, and polymer types, providing insights into which characteristics may trigger inflammatory responses.
Small Plastics, Big Inflammatory Problems.
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This review examined how micro- and nano-plastics trigger inflammatory responses through interactions with immune cells, finding that particles activate multiple signaling pathways including NF-kB and NLRP3 inflammasome, potentially contributing to chronic low-grade inflammation linked to cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, and cancer.
NLRP3 inflammasome activation by particles and fibers: implications for human hazard assessment
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When your body encounters tiny particles—like asbestos, quartz dust, or even microplastics—it can trigger an internal "alarm system" (called the NLRP3 inflammasome) that causes inflammation, which over time may contribute to disease. This review pulls together decades of research showing this link is well-proven for workplace dusts, but says scientists still don't fully know how risky everyday exposure to things like microplastics or air pollution really is. The authors argue that testing new materials for this inflammation trigger should become a standard safety check before they end up in products or the environment.
Nanoplastics - A Potential Threat To Human Health?
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This thesis examined the inflammatory properties of nanoplastics in the context of both nanomedicine development and understanding health risks from nanomaterial waste. It evaluated whether nanoplastics could trigger immune responses in human cells, which is a key concern given increasing exposure through food and air.
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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.
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