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The blood response to subway-derived iron nanoparticles
Kristina N Ekdahl1, Lisa Monie2, Ana T Juárez-Facio3
1Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden; Linnaeus Centre for Biomaterials Chemistry, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden.
Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology
|May 16, 2025
Summary
Subway nanoparticles, particularly those from the Third Rail, trigger distinct immune responses. Silicon-rich Third Rail nanoparticles cause significant thrombo-inflammation, while others induce milder reactions.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Immunology
Background:
- Urban environments contain nanoparticles from various sources.
- Subway systems generate unique nanoparticle compositions.
- The impact of these nanoparticles on human health is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immunomodulatory effects of iron-rich nanoparticles from subway environments.
- To compare the innate immune responses triggered by nanoparticles from Third Rail, Rail, and Wheel materials.
- To elucidate the role of nanoparticle composition in immune activation.
Main Methods:
- Nanoparticles were isolated from Third Rail, Rail, and Wheel subway materials.
- Characterization of nanoparticle elemental composition.
- Analysis of human whole-blood response using ELISA and capillary immunoelectrophoresis.
Main Results:
- All nanoparticles were primarily iron oxides.
- Third Rail nanoparticles, rich in silicon, induced significant thrombo-inflammation via Factor XI and kallikrein/kinin pathways.
- Wheel and Rail nanoparticles showed milder inflammatory responses, primarily activating the kallikrein/kinin pathway.
- Complement system activation was not significantly observed for any nanoparticle type.
Conclusions:
- Nanoparticle elemental composition critically influences innate immune system activation.
- Silicon content in Third Rail nanoparticles is linked to potent thrombo-inflammatory effects.
- Understanding nanoparticle composition is key to predicting their health impacts, particularly thrombosis and inflammation.
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