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Microplastics dysregulate innate immunity in the SARS-CoV-2 infected lung
Cameron R Bishop1, Kexin Yan1, Wilson Nguyen1
1Inflammation Biology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
Introduction:
Global microplastic (MP) pollution is now well recognized, with humans and animals consuming and inhaling MPs on a daily basis, with a growing body of concern surrounding the potential impacts on human health.
Methods:
Using a mouse model of mild COVID-19, we describe herein the effects of azide-free 1 μm polystyrene MP beads, co-delivered into lungs with a SARS-CoV-2 omicron BA.5 inoculum. The effect of MPs on the host response to SARS-CoV-2 infection was analysed using histopathology and RNA-Seq at 2 and 6 days post-infection (dpi).
Results:
Although infection reduced clearance of MPs from the lung, virus titres and viral RNA levels were not significantly affected by MPs, and overt MP-associated clinical or histopathological changes were not observed. However, RNA-Seq of infected lungs revealed that MP exposure suppressed innate immune responses at 2 dpi and increased pro-inflammatory signatures at 6 dpi. The cytokine profile at 6 dpi showed a significant correlation with the 'cytokine release syndrome' signature observed in some COVID-19 patients.
Discussion:
The findings are consistent with the recent finding that MPs can inhibit phagocytosis of apoptotic cells via binding of Tim4. They also add to a growing body of literature suggesting that MPs can dysregulate inflammatory processes in specific disease settings.
Insights
Microplastic (MP) beads did not affect SARS-CoV-2 omicron BA.5 viral load in mice. However, MP exposure altered immune responses, suppressing innate immunity early and increasing inflammation later, potentially mimicking cytokine release syndrome in COVID-19.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Immunology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Microplastic (MP) pollution is a global concern, with increasing evidence of human and animal exposure.
- Potential health impacts of microplastics, particularly in the context of respiratory infections, require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of microplastic (MP) beads on the host response to SARS-CoV-2 omicron BA.5 infection in a mouse model.
- To analyze the impact of MPs on viral clearance, innate immunity, and inflammatory signatures during COVID-19.
Main Methods:
- A mouse model of mild COVID-19 was used, co-delivering 1 μm polystyrene MP beads with SARS-CoV-2 omicron BA.5.
- Histopathology and RNA-Seq were employed to analyze host response at 2 and 6 days post-infection (dpi).
Main Results:
- Microplastics did not significantly alter virus titres or RNA levels, despite reduced MP clearance from the lungs post-infection.
- RNA-Seq revealed suppressed innate immune responses at 2 dpi and increased pro-inflammatory signatures at 6 dpi.
- The observed cytokine profile at 6 dpi correlated with the 'cytokine release syndrome' signature in some COVID-19 patients.
Conclusions:
- Microplastic exposure can dysregulate inflammatory processes during viral infections.
- Findings suggest MPs may inhibit phagocytosis and alter immune cell function.
- Further research is needed to understand the long-term health implications of microplastic exposure in disease settings.
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