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Nano-microflora Interaction Inducing Pulmonary Inflammation by Pyroptosis.
Meng Gao1, Jie Chen1, Changzhi Chen1
1State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiological Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China.
Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) trigger lung inflammation by disrupting pulmonary microflora, leading to DNA release, pyroptosis in macrophages, and subsequent inflammatory responses. This study clarifies the complex signaling cascade involved in nanoparticle-induced lung injury.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Immunology
Background:
- Antimicrobial nanomaterials can cause lung inflammation and cell apoptosis, presenting a paradox.
- The signaling pathways of nanoparticle (NP)-induced pulmonary inflammation are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of nano-microflora interactions in NP-induced lung inflammation.
- To elucidate the mechanistic axis linking Ag NP exposure to pulmonary inflammation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized pulmonary microflora-deficient mice.
- Administered silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) as a representative antimicrobial nanomaterial.
- Analyzed effects on microflora, DNA leakage, caspase-1 activation, GSDMD, and pyroptosis.
Main Results:
- Ag NPs impaired pulmonary microflora motility, disrupted quorum sensing, and caused bacterial DNA leakage.
- Liberated bacterial DNA recruited caspase-1, triggering proinflammatory cytokine release and pyroptosis.
- Pyroptosis of macrophages led to severe pulmonary inflammation.
Conclusions:
- Nano-microflora interactions are a crucial instigator of NP-induced lung inflammation.
- A mechanistic axis involves Ag NP antimicrobial activity, microflora perturbation, DNA release, and macrophage pyroptosis.
- This research enhances understanding of toxic effects from environmental NPs on lung tissues.
