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Updated: Aug 14, 2025
Measuring Attachment and Internalization of Influenza A Virus in A549 Cells by Flow Cytometry
Published on: November 4, 2015
Polystyrene microplastics significantly facilitate influenza A virus infection of host cells
Chao Wang1, Wenjiao Wu1, Zefen Pang2
1Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, 466 Middle Xingang Road, Guangzhou 510317, Guangdong, China.
Abstract:
Microplastics (MPs) are emerging pollutants which exist in various environments and pose a potential threat to human health. However, the effect of MP on respiratory pathogens-infected organisms is unknown. In order to explore the effect of MP on respiratory pathogen infection, we studied the effect of polystyrene microplastics (PS) on influenza A virus (IAV)-infected A549 cells. Western blot, qPCR, and viral plaque assay demonstrated that PS could promote IAV infection. Further study by bioluminescence imaging showed that a large number of IAV could be enriched on PS and entered cells through endocytosis. Meanwhile, the expression of IFITM3 in cells was significantly reduced. In addition, our results showed that PS down-regulated IRF3 and its active form P-IRF3 by down-regulating RIG-I and inhibiting TBK1 phosphorylation activation, which then significantly reduced IFN-β expression and affected the cellular innate antiviral immune system. Taken together, our results indicate the potential threat of MPs to respiratory diseases caused by IAV and provide new insights into human health protection.
Insights
Polystyrene microplastics (PS) enhance influenza A virus (IAV) infection by facilitating viral entry and suppressing the innate immune system. This study reveals a potential threat of microplastics to respiratory health.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive environmental pollutants with unknown health impacts.
- The effect of MPs on respiratory pathogen infections remains largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of polystyrene microplastics (PS) on influenza A virus (IAV) infection in A549 cells.
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which PS influences viral replication and host immune response.
Main Methods:
- Cell culture (A549 cells) exposed to PS and IAV.
- Molecular techniques: Western blot, quantitative PCR (qPCR).
- Viral quantification: Plaque assay, bioluminescence imaging.
Main Results:
- PS significantly promoted IAV infection and viral enrichment on microplastics.
- PS facilitated IAV entry into cells via endocytosis and reduced IFITM3 expression.
- PS inhibited the RIG-I/TBK1/IRF3 pathway, leading to decreased IFN-β production and impaired innate antiviral immunity.
Conclusions:
- Polystyrene microplastics pose a potential threat to respiratory health by exacerbating influenza A virus infections.
- MPs interfere with cellular innate antiviral defenses, highlighting a novel mechanism of environmental health risk.
