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Single-cell transcriptomics reveals the pulmonary inflammation induced by inhalation of subway fine particles
Weilai Zhou1, Wenke Yuan1, Yuwei Chen1
1Liaoning Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Damage Research and Assessment, Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China.
Abstract:
People generally take the subway and inevitably inhale the fine particles (PM2.5) on subway platforms. This study revealed whether and how subway PM2.5 causes lung inflammation. Herein, the pulmonary inflammatory response to subway PM2.5 was observed in mice, manifesting as the inflammatory cells infiltration and collagen deposition in tissue, inflammatory cytokine enhancement in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and Toll-like receptors signal pathway activation in the lungs. Furthermore, single-cell RNA sequencing unearthed subway PM2.5-induced cell-specific responses in the lungs. Twenty immune subsets were identified by the molecular and functional properties. Specific cell populations of CD4+ T and γδ T cells were regarded as the predominant sources of pneumonitis induced by subway PM2.5. Moreover, we demonstrated that the lung inflammatory injury was significantly more attenuated in Rag1-/- mice lacking functional T cells and B cells than that in wild type mice. We proved the slight inflammation of lung tissue in Rag1-/- mice may be dependent on monocytes and neutrophils by activation of the intracellular molecular network. This is the first experimental study on subway PM2.5 causing pulmonary inflammatory damage. It will set an alarm for people who usually travel by subway and efficient measures to reduce PM2.5 should be developed in subway stations.
Insights
Subway fine particles (PM2.5) cause lung inflammation, primarily through T cell activation. This study highlights the need for measures to reduce PM2.5 exposure in subway stations.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Immunology
Background:
- Subway commuters are routinely exposed to fine particulate matter (PM2.5).
- The health effects of inhaling subway PM2.5, particularly lung inflammation, are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether and how subway PM2.5 induces pulmonary inflammation.
- To identify specific immune cells involved in the inflammatory response to subway PM2.5.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of mice to subway PM2.5.
- Analysis of lung tissue for inflammatory markers and cellular infiltration.
- Single-cell RNA sequencing to identify cell-specific responses.
- Experiments using genetically modified mice (Rag1-/-) lacking T and B cells.
Main Results:
- Subway PM2.5 exposure led to lung inflammation, characterized by inflammatory cell infiltration, collagen deposition, elevated cytokines, and Toll-like receptor pathway activation.
- Single-cell RNA sequencing identified CD4+ T and γδ T cells as key contributors to subway PM2.5-induced pneumonitis.
- Inflammatory lung injury was significantly reduced in mice lacking T and B cells, with residual inflammation potentially mediated by monocytes and neutrophils.
Conclusions:
- Subway PM2.5 is a significant cause of pulmonary inflammation.
- T cells play a critical role in the lung's inflammatory response to subway PM2.5.
- Findings underscore the importance of reducing PM2.5 levels in subway environments to protect public health.
