We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Polystyrene Nanoplastics Induce Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Mice Neutrophils
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers discovered that polystyrene nanoplastics trigger the release of neutrophil extracellular traps in mouse immune cells through reactive oxygen species and PAD4-mediated chromatin depolymerization, revealing a previously unknown immunotoxicity mechanism.
With growing applications of plastic products, there is a growing threat to human health. Therefore, it is important to understand their toxicological behaviors. The release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) was clarified as a new immune defense mechanism against intruders. Here, we discovered that polystyrene nanoplastics (PS NPs) induce NET formation, with involvement of reactive oxygen species, peptidyl arginine deiminase 4 (PAD4), and neutrophil elastase. Moreover, overexpression of PAD4 induced by PS NPs further mediates histone citrullination and chromatin depolymerization. These results provide important information and promising strategies for safety and immunotoxicity assessment of NPs.
More Papers Like This
Nanoplastics and Immunity: Investigating the Extracellular Matrix’s Influence on Macrophage Interaction with Polystyrene Nanoparticles
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated how extracellular matrix components affect macrophage uptake of polystyrene nanoplastics, finding that the surrounding matrix modulates nanoplastic-immune cell interactions — with implications for understanding how nanoplastics evade or engage the innate immune response.
Genotoxic and immunomodulatory effects in human white blood cells after ex vivo exposure to polystyrene nanoplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Human white blood cells were exposed ex vivo to polystyrene nanoplastics and showed DNA strand breaks, chromosomal damage, and changes in immune cell activation markers, suggesting that nanoplastics at environmentally relevant concentrations could cause genotoxic and immunomodulatory effects in people.
Polystyrene Nanoplastics Increase Macrophage Bactericidal Activity Through a Mechanism Involving Reactive Oxygen Species and Itaconate
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that polystyrene nanoplastics are internalized by macrophages and accumulate in endosomes, lysosomes, and the endoplasmic reticulum, where they unexpectedly increase the cells' ability to kill bacteria. The study identified a mechanism involving reactive oxygen species and itaconate production, suggesting that nanoplastic exposure can alter immune cell function in ways that may have broader implications for immune responses.
Polystyrene Nanoplastics Increase Macrophage Bactericidal Activity Through a Mechanism Involving Reactive Oxygen Species and Itaconate
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that polystyrene nanoplastics internalised by macrophages accumulated in endosomes, lysosomes, and the endoplasmic reticulum, enhancing bacterial killing through a mechanism involving increased reactive oxygen species production and itaconate signalling. The results suggest that nanoplastic exposure may paradoxically boost certain innate immune functions.
Polystyrene microplastics induce activation and cell death of neutrophils through strong adherence and engulfment
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that neutrophils (key immune cells that fight infections) strongly bind to and swallow polystyrene microplastics, mistaking them for bacteria. This triggers inflammation and eventually kills the neutrophils, and the same response was confirmed in both mouse and human immune cells. The findings suggest that microplastics accumulating in the body could weaken immune defenses by destroying these important infection-fighting cells.
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.